Cavs, James Harden reportedly expect contract resolution soon

The James Harden waiting game may finally be nearing its end. Not that there has been much mystery about the expected outcome.

Harden has made it clear for months that he wants to return to the Cavaliers, and Cleveland has operated with the expectation that the 11-time All-Star will be back. The question has been when the sides would actually finish the deal.

ESPN’s Marc Spears indicated Monday on NBA Today that it could be soon.

“The Cavaliers are working through different iterations of a deal, trying to come up with something that’s best for James and also best for them,” Spears said. “And to James’ credit, they’re saying that he’s been patient, his people have been patient, and I hear that they expect a resolution to come soon for him to re-sign.”

The timing is interesting for another reason. Namely, Cleveland continues to pursue Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson, with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin saying Monday that the Cavs are a “serious” candidate to acquire the 23-year-old wing.

That pursuit could help explain why they haven’t simply rushed to complete Harden’s contract.

The Cavs have financial and roster considerations to navigate if they’re going to add Watson in a sign-and-trade, and keeping some flexibility while those possibilities are explored makes sense.

Harden declined his $42.3 million player option earlier this offseason, but the expectation has remained that the sides would work out a new multiyear agreement.

So Spears’ update isn’t necessarily that Harden is coming back. We’ve known that.

It’s that the Cavs apparently believe it’s getting closer to determining exactly what Harden’s return will look like. And perhaps, what the rest of the roster will look like around him.