Cavaliers remain in constant contact with James Harden, pursue Watson and Kuminga

15/08/202610:04

Cleveland remains in constant communication with James Harden and his representatives over a potential new deal, while also strongly pursuing restricted free agent Peyton Watson and unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.

Harden remains a priority

According to Shams Charania, the Cavaliers are maintaining constant communication with James Harden and his agents as they work toward a new contract that would bring the veteran guard back to Cleveland.

Harden’s situation is closely connected to Cleveland’s other offseason moves as the franchise continues reshaping its roster.

Cleveland pursuing Watson and Kuminga

At the same time, the Cavaliers are aggressively pursuing Peyton Watson and Jonathan Kuminga, two wing options who could address one of the team’s biggest roster needs.

Watson is a restricted free agent, while Kuminga is unrestricted. Cleveland has already explored a potential sign-and-trade for Watson with Denver.

The Cavaliers’ trade sending Dennis Schröder and cash to Charlotte for Tre Mann also created additional financial and roster flexibility, while allowing Cleveland to avoid giving up draft capital.