James Harden has declined his $42.3 million player option and is waiting to sign a new deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
What is James Harden's Plan?
Harden's delay is not an accident, but a strategic move to give the Cavaliers cap flexibility to make a big signing, potentially LeBron James.
How Does This Affect the Cavaliers' Cap Space?
If Harden signs for around $30 million, the Cavaliers will be close to the league's first tax apron of $209 million, but they still need to shed roughly $16 million to unlock the bigger midlevel exception.
The Cavaliers are shopping Max Strus, who is set to make $16.6 million next season, to create the necessary cap space.
What are the Implications of Trading Max Strus?
Trading Strus would mean losing a steady shooter, but Jaylon Tyson has emerged as a younger option at the same spot, giving the Cavaliers some cover if Strus is moved.
The Cavaliers have the motive to make a real offer to LeBron James, and with Harden's patience and a possible Strus trade, they may have the means to do so.
On Monday, Harden declined his $42.3 million player's option and is now a free agent, with sources saying he is expected to return to Cleveland on a new contract.
According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Harden is waiting to sign to give the Cavaliers the flexibility they need to make a move like adding LeBron James for next season.
The numbers only work in a narrow window, and the Cavaliers need to be careful with their cap space to make a big signing.
Golden State has reportedly entered the mix to sign LeBron James, and he has already told the Los Angeles Lakers he intends to look elsewhere next season.
The Cavaliers are positioning themselves to make a real offer to LeBron James, and James Harden's delay in signing a new deal is a key part of their plan.
The Cavaliers' run to the Eastern Conference Finals this year has given them hope for next season, and signing LeBron James would be a major boost to their chances.
James Harden's decision to wait on signing a new deal has given the Cavaliers a chance to pursue LeBron James, and they are taking advantage of the opportunity.
The Cavaliers need to shed salary to create the necessary cap space to sign LeBron James, and trading Max Strus is a possible solution.
The Cavaliers are taking a risk by waiting on James Harden's new deal, but it could pay off if they are able to sign LeBron James.
The NBA free agency period is always full of surprises, and the Cavaliers' pursuit of LeBron James is one of the biggest stories this year.
The Cavaliers' fans have been waiting for two years to see LeBron James return to the team, and this could be their chance.
The Cavaliers are doing everything they can to make a real offer to LeBron James, and it will be interesting to see what happens next.