Cleveland Cavaliers’ James Harden Has Fractured Thumb

James Harden has appeared in seven games with the Cavaliers, who acquired the future Hall of Famer from the Los Angeles Clippers on February 4.

Thus far, Cleveland is 6-1 with Harden in the lineup. The lefty is averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game with the Cavaliers. He’s shooting 49.4% from the field, 48.8% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line.

Cleveland is in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The team will likely drop in the standings if Harden is out for the foreseeable future.

One of the greatest players in NBA history, Harden has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers and Cavaliers. The 11-time All-Star turns 37 in August.

Harden is making $39.4 million this season, with $13.3 million of his $42.3 million salary for next season guaranteed. Harden had sought more security in negotiations with the Clippers last offseason, but Los Angeles declined to offer him a longer-term deal because of his age and an organizational prioritization of long-term flexibility.

The Cavaliers are widely expected to sign Harden to a new deal this offseason. The 2018 MVP holds career averages of 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. He’s still looking to win his first NBA championship.