James Harden Signs 3-Year Extension with Cleveland Cavaliers, Focused on NBA Title Chase

At age 37, James Harden has just signed a new three-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, likely indicating he will finish his career in Ohio. The move gives the veteran guard another real chance to chase his first NBA championship before retirement. During his first half season with Cleveland, Harden averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he added 19.5 points and 5.5 assists per game over 18 appearances, helping the Cavaliers reach the Eastern Conference Finals before being swept 0-4 by the eventual NBA champions, the New York Knicks. The disappointing ending strengthened Harden's desire to stay in Cleveland. He is currently 12th in NBA history in assists and is expected to move into the Top 10 this coming season. He also ranks 11th all-time in points, narrowly behind Moses Malone at No. 10. Cleveland have added Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets and Mario Hezonja from Real Madrid to strengthen their rotation. The projected starting lineup includes Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Watson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Meanwhile, Derrick Rose has made a humble statement, saying: "Who am I to say I will be remembered?" Kevin Love, meanwhile, is reportedly close to returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team where he began his NBA career.