Cavaliers Seek Athletic Scoring Help To Support Harden

James Harden reportedly isn’t stressing over his unresolved contract situation with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead, his attention appears to be on how Cleveland can improve the James Harden Cavaliers roster around him.

Harden declined his $42.3 million player option in June, giving the Cavaliers more financial flexibility heading into free agency. Although he remains unsigned, the expectation is reportedly that Harden will eventually return to Cleveland on a new two- or three-year deal. The James Harden Cavaliers roster could look different depending on final moves.

According to the report, the delay hasn’t created any bad blood between Harden and the organization. He understands Cleveland still has other moves to make before determining exactly how much money it can commit to his new contract.

Harden Reportedly Wants Another Scorer

One of Harden’s biggest priorities appears to be adding more athleticism and scoring on the wing. In fact, improving the James Harden Cavaliers roster is reportedly a major point in negotiations.

Cleveland has reportedly been linked to Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson, with Harden said to be open to either option.

The idea would be to find somebody who can create offense, attack the basket and also give Harden another lob threat.

That could add another dimension to a Cavaliers roster already featuring Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Furthermore, the James Harden Cavaliers roster would become even more versatile with a new scorer.

Cleveland Is Building Around A New Core

The Cavaliers’ direction has changed considerably after moving on from Darius Garland and ending speculation about a possible LeBron James return.

At one point, Harden was reportedly open to playing alongside LeBron in Cleveland. Rich Paul, who represents both James and Garland, also made it clear that there wasn’t a personal issue between LeBron and Harden.

But with that possibility now apparently off the table, Cleveland’s focus has shifted toward building around its current group.

Donovan Mitchell has already committed long-term with a four-year, $273 million maximum extension, while Harden’s new contract remains one of Cleveland’s biggest unfinished pieces.

The interesting part is that Harden reportedly isn’t simply looking for Cleveland to hand him another contract. He wants the Cavaliers to strengthen the roster first and put themselves in the best position to win.

If Cleveland can land another young, athletic scorer while keeping Harden, Mitchell, Mobley and Allen together, the Cavaliers could have a very different-looking supporting cast heading into the season.