Harden Joins $500 Million Club with New Cavs Deal, NFL Joint Practice Debate, and WNBA Injury & Leadership Updates

Joy Taylor covers James Harden’s new three-year, $97 million contract to return to the Cavaliers, which helped Cleveland get under the aprons and facilitated a five-team deal bringing Peyton Watson to the Cavs while moving Max Strus to the Clippers and sending future picks (including a 2031 first and a 2032 second via the Kings) to the Nuggets; she notes Harden’s recruiting role, his career earnings approaching $500 million, his postseason reputation, and a projected Cavs starting five with Donovan Mitchell, Watson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. She then discusses the value and risks of NFL joint practices, contrasting Saquon Barkley’s dislike of them with Eagles DC Vic Fangio’s support. Finally, she updates WNBA storylines: Olivia Miles’ milestone game and ankle injury, No. 1 pick AZ Fudd missing the rest of the season for a right knee procedure, and Sophie Cunningham’s comments about potential change at commissioner amid ongoing criticism of Cathy Engelbert. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.