James Harden Stats, Advanced Metrics & Fantasy Rankings

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden scored a game-high 24 points in Sunday's 119-105 preseason win over the Orlando Magic, adding four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 26 minutes. The 37-year-old shot 7-for-10 from the field, 3-for-5 from three, and 7-for-9 at the line after missing Thursday's opener with right ankle soreness. Harden made his first five shots and showed little rust in his return. He averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 games with Cleveland last season, and Sunday's performance was an encouraging reminder that he can still provide plenty of scoring alongside Donovan Mitchell.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden has agreed to a three-year, $97 million fully guaranteed contract to stay in Cleveland, with a third-year player option and 15% trade kicker. The former MVP returns as the Cavaliers' primary ball-handler after averaging 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 threes in 26 regular-season games with the team. The fantasy appeal remains tied to assists, scoring, and three-point volume, though turnovers are still part of the package after Harden gave it away 4.7 times per game in the playoffs. With his role settled, he remains a reliable early-round guard.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is on track to re-sign with the team on a new multi-year deal, according to ESPN's Jamal Collier. Harden remains unsigned after declining his $42.3 million player option, but Cleveland still appears to be the expected landing spot after missing out on LeBron James. The 36-year-old stayed productive after arriving from the Clippers, averaging 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 threes while shooting 43.5 percent from deep across 26 games with Cleveland. Next to Donovan Mitchell, Harden should remain a strong assists-and-threes fantasy guard, though age and possible rest nights keep some risk attached.