Soon after the surprising sale of the Lakers to the Joshua Kushner/Bob Iger group was announced, hiring reportedly paused in both the Lakers' front office and business side. Under Mark Walter, the Lakers began reorganizing and growing their basketball operations, adding analytics staff and much-needed personnel on the scouting side. The Lakers had already hired Rohan Ramadas away from the Pelicans as an assistant general manager focused on analytics.
Now comes the report that the Lakers are going to hire Eric Amsler, who has spent 22 years in the Miami Heat organization, to become an assistant general manager focused more on scouting, a story first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Both Ramadas and Amsler will report to Rob Pelinka, who remains the head of Lakers basketball operations.
Why this is good news for Lakers fans — beyond Amsler being highly qualified for the job — is that it signals that the much-needed fleshing out of the front office and scouting departments will continue. Under the Buss family, the Lakers might have had the smallest scouting operation in the league and were considered a small front office. That started to change under Walter and apparently will continue.
One other thing that will not delay the sale of the Lakers is the Buss family infighting, which is heading to court, league sources have told NBC Sports. Five of the six Buss siblings voted to exercise a tag-along clause and sell their remaining 17.8% of the franchise to the Kushner/Iger group. Jeanie Buss, who has served as team governor under Walter's ownership and wants to continue in that role, opposes the sale. That will be settled in court, but whether or not the Buss family portion is ultimately part of the sale, the rest of it will go through (if ultimately approved by the Board of Governors, as expected).
What’s for sure is that the Lakers got to enjoy several intriguing off-court activities, including one night spent presumably partying at “a Ljubljana restaurant that also serves as a nightclub.”
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić leaves the InterContinental Hotel for a team dinner during the Lakers’ team minicamp. Andrej Tarfila/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
Dončić clearly handled his hosting duties well, which Bronny James indicated during an interview on ESPN LA 710 last week.
“We were with [Dončić]. He was hooking us up and getting us in the right places in Slovenia, seeing the most out of the country,” James said.
Bronny James poses for a video on his Instagram account. (Instagram/@bronny).
The country made a lasting impression on James, as he added, “[Slovenia is] great… The city [of Ljubljana] was great, we had the castle that was close to us. And then we went to Lake Bled, which was great. The castle there, and then we played the [golf] course over there near Bled. I wanna go back to go to the Alps and stuff like that. The scenery and everything was great.”
James, who is now single, seems to have savored this Slovenia trip before the Lakers’ season begins.
The Lakers are hiring Heat vice president of player personnel Eric Amsler as an assistant general manager.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has secured his second assistant general manager. Getty Images
He’s also the general manager of the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s G League affiliate.
Amsler is the second assistant general manager hire of the offseason after Pelinka, the Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager, said to start the offseason that the front office was being expanded.
Amsler will focus on the “player draft and evaluation processes,” which will include pro scouting, draft scouting and player development, while Ramadas’ focus is on the “strategy side,” which entails cap, analytics and data.
“A lot of the infrastructure is being built,” Pelinka said in May. “We will continue to staff out with assistant general manager positions. There’s a couple of those that we’re currently interviewing for and have done an extensive dive in that process. Those will be two key pillars that we’ll add for this offseason.”
The Lakers’ second assistant general manager hire comes as Josh Kushner (left) and Bob Iger (right) are in the process of purchasing the franchise. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
Amsler spent 22 years in the Heat organization, starting as an intern in 2004-05 before working his way up to various other roles: scouting and information coordinator (2005-07); scouting and player personnel coordinator (2007-14); director of scouting operations (2015-18); director of scouting/assistant director of player personnel/assistant general manager of the Sioux Falls Skyforce (2018-19) and director of player personnel/general manager of the Skyforce (2019-23) before being promoted to his most recent role with the Heat.
Kushner also has ties to the Heat, being a minority owner of the franchise since 2024. He’ll need to divest that ownership stake before becoming the Lakers’ newest owner.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: The sneakers worn by Tyrese Samuel #17 of the Brooklyn Nets during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 18, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Tom O'Connor/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 12: The Lakers logo is displayed outside Crypto.com Arena, home of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, on August 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Lakers owner Mark Walter is reportedly selling the Lakers to venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, brother of President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former Disney CEO Bob Iger for a record $12.5 billion. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It turns out the Lakers are not in a hiring freeze.
After spending the summer searching, the team has hired its second assistant general manager. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the team is hiring Eric Amsler from the Miami Heat.
Amsler served as the vice president of player personnel in Miami.
The Los Angeles Lakers are hiring Miami Heat vice president of player personnel Eric Amsler as an assistant general manager, sources tell ESPN. Amsler – who spent over 22 years in the Heat organization starting as an intern and working his way up in various scouting, personnel…
Another source was very quick to point out that Josh Kushner is a minority owner of the Miami Heat (he'll have to divest to purchase Lakers) https://t.co/xjlaapIj39
Amsler held a number of roles in his two decades with the Heat. According to the team’s website, he oversaw the franchise’s scouting department and served as general manager of the team’s G League affiliate. While it’s unclear if he will hold the same role in regard to the South Bay Lakers, he will likely hold a similar role when it comes to scouting and player personnel.
Prior to becoming the team’s VP of Player Personnel, he held a host of jobs with the franchise. As listed by the Heat, here were his various positions over the last 22 years:
Scouting and Information Coordinator (2005-07)
Scouting and Player Personnel Coordinator (2007-14)
Director of Scouting Operations (2015-18)
Director of Scouting/Assistant Director of Player Personnel/Assistant General Manager, Sioux Falls Skyforce (2018-19)
Director, Player Personnel/General Manager, Sioux Falls Skyforce (2019-23)
Once the ownership hoopla started, namely in Mark Walter selling his majority stake to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, many wondered or expected there to be a hiring freeze, leaving the second assistant GM spot unfilled. Fortunately for the team, that proved not to be the case and now they can move forward with a front office fitting a franchise of the Lakers’ stature.
After five seasons at Purdue, the first of which he redshirted, Kaufman-Renn was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the No. 59 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. In five NBA Summer League games, he averaged 6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-9 forward never signed a contract with the team.
Unlike many college basketball players petitioning for an extra season of eligibility under the NCAA’s newly adopted five-for-five model, Kaufman-Renn was not part of the 2022 recruiting class. He was a top-50 recruit in the 2021 class, a group that also included the likes of Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero, both of whom are preparing to enter their fifth seasons with NBA franchises.
According to the ruling Wednesday from Clark County (Indiana) Circuit Court No. 6 Judge Kyle P. Williams, the NCAA cannot deny Kaufman-Renn eligibility based on his five years in college and four years playing for the Boilermakers, or his professional status. Additionally, the NCAA must allow member schools to recruit and enroll Kaufman-Renn while permitting him to participate with the basketball team.
If Kaufman-Renn continues his college career, it won’t be with the program he called home the past five years. In a post on Instagram, Kaufman-Renn said he will not return to Purdue.
“Four truly unforgettable years,” he wrote. “Grateful for my teammates, Coaches, Coach (Matt) Painter, the Paint Crew, and Boiler Nation. My chapter in black and gold has come to an end, but Purdue will always be part of me.”
Kaufman-Renn told reporters on Tuesday, Sept. 8 that “six or seven” teams had expressed interest in the Sellersburg, Indiana native playing for them for the upcoming 2026-27 season. He said multiple programs told him he could earn "significantly more" than what he would have as a late-second round NBA draft pick.
Whoever ends up with Kaufman-Renn will be getting a potential difference-maker at an extraordinarily late stage in the transfer portal process.
Kaufman-Renn started every game as a sophomore for a Purdue team that made the national championship game in 2024, where it lost to UConn. As a junior in 2024-25, he averaged 20.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, and was named an honorable mention All-American. Last season, he averaged 14.2 points and a career-high 8.3 rebounds per game as the Boilermakers advanced to the Elite Eight for a third-consecutive season.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Trey Kaufman-Renn #14 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 13, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Trey Kaufman-Renn accomplished just about everything a men’s college basketball player can do during his five seasons on the Purdue Boilermakers’ roster. Kaufman-Renn came off the bench as a redshirt freshman for the Boilermakers in the 2023 NCAA tournament when they became the second No. 1 seed to ever lose to a No. 16 seed in the first-round. The next year, he was a sophomore starter next to Zach Edey on a team that reached the national championship game before falling to UConn. Kaufman-Renn stepped into a starring role as the Boilermakers made a Sweet 16 run in 2025, and an Elite Eight run in 2026 after winning the Big Ten tournament championship.
Kaufman-Renn’s development into a powerful interior scorer was enough to make him the No. 59 overall pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2026 NBA Draft, which felt like an inspiring story for a player who grew so much during his time in college basketball. Now Kaufman-Renn is trying to get back to college, and he scored a major victory in court on Wednesday that suddenly makes that realistic.
Kaufman-Renn was granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA in the No. 6 Circuit Court by Judge Kyle P. Williams, allowing him to join a college basketball team while awaiting a preliminary injunction hearing. It sure feels like Kaufman-Renn could be headed back to Purdue — or another school — instead of going to training camp with the Timberwolves.
Why would Kaufman-Renn rather play in college than the NBA? The money is better at the university level right now. Kaufman-Renn likely would have commanded a top-tier NIL payment worth multiple millions if he had another year of eligibility left. The Timberwolves don’t even have an open two-way spot at the moment with Enrique Freeman, Zyon Pullin, and Rocco Zikarsky all on deals that would split time between the NBA and G League. It’s possible Zikarsky could land an official 15-man roster spot in camp, opening up a two-way deal for Kaufman-Renn. Otherwise, the former Purdue star would likely be on a G League contract to start the NBA season.
Kaufman-Renn redshirted his freshman year as he recovered from a knee injury. Then he played four seasons. He would be ineligible even under the incoming five-for-five system. It seems there’s a decent chance he can get back into college basketball, though. The Big Ten passed a rule that stops former NFL players from returning to college. It said nothing about former NBA players, and the fact that Kaufman-Renn still hasn’t signed an NBA contract could be another loophole. The SEC sued LSU for trying to bring former NFL players back to college.
Kaufman-Renn played in five games with the Timberwolves at Las Vegas Summer League after the draft. The Wolves aren’t the first team to lose a potential player back to college. The Chicago Bulls signed Donovan Atwell as a priority undrafted free agent, and he could have landed a two-way deal after a strong summer league. Instead, he’s fighting to get back to college to again play for Texas Tech with an Oct. 15 court date.
College basketball is becoming an absolute mess with so many players challenging the system this summer for an extra year of eligibility — and an extra year of an NIL payday. There are players all around the country going to court for an extra year of eligibility, and Kaufman-Renn is just the latest example. These players take away opportunities from incoming freshmen, and they will take starting spots away from younger players who have waited years for their chance at a bigger role.
It doesn’t feel fair that Kaufman-Renn might be able to return to college this year after being drafted into the NBA, and the same can be said for all the other players trying to cheat to the system in the same way. College sports are broken right now.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 11: The Los Angeles Lakers logo is pictured on a uniform against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As you guys recently saw, we were looking to add to our staff here at Silver Screen & Roll as we head into a new season. We’ve found some exciting folks — whose bylines you might have seen popping up this wekk — who will be joining the site, some of which you may not know about and one you probably will.
Connor Moreno will provide on-site coverage during training camp, at practices and, most often, at games this season. He spent a year covering the Phoenix Suns, so he’s already been through a lot. But he’s a Lakers fan, so we get to bring him back home to cover the purple and gold this season.
Jackson Frank will be helping out with all the news and rumors and everything in between for us this season. He was the final piece coming our way in the unofficial LeBron James-Quentin Grimes swap. He spent many years covering the Sixers, including over at Liberty Ballers, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the staff.
Lastly, a name many of our longtime readers are familiar with, Plain Fiction will be joining the staff as a contributor. Many of us have seen his detailed comments, blogs in our FanPosts (RIP) or posts in The Feed. They’re as detailed as anything we’re writing on the site, so it was an easy decision to add him to the staff.
I’m excited to welcome all three to our already great staff, giving us even more intelligent voices to help cover the best franchise in the NBA.
"Saturday Night Live" announced that their 52nd season will premiere on Sept. 26, and Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson will be the host.
Brunson, of course, is coming off a magical season in which he earned his third career All-Star appearance and led the Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years, earning Finals MVP honors as the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
Brunson won’t be the first New York athlete to host the show, as he’ll join a group that includes Eli Manning in 2012 and Derek Jeter in 2001.
The 30-year-old Brunson is often very stoic when speaking to reporters, but he's got experience in front of the mic, hosting his "Roommates Show" podcast with longtime teammate Josh Hart.
Brunson is the fifth NBA star to be tapped as a host by the long-running late-night sketch comedy show, joining only Bill Russell, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Girl group KATSEYE will serve as the musical guest on Brunson's Saturday Night Live episode.
Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 6.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 19 playoff games last season for the Knicks before leading the franchise to its first NBA title since 1973. Brunson underwent wrist surgery earlier this offseason, but is expected to return to basketball-related activities in time for the start of training camp.
Brunson has previously appeared in a non-wrestling guest performer role with WWE, mostly in conjunction with Indiana Pacers star and fellow pro wrestling fan Tyrese Haliburton.
Pikiell announced on Wednesday, Sept. 9 he was not feeling 100% a few months ago and visited the team doctors, and after undergoing testing, he learned he has cancer. He did not disclose what type of cancer it was.
"I am incredibly grateful to my team of doctors at RWJBarnabas Health and Memorial Sloan Kettering for guiding and supporting us through this difficult time," he said in a statement. "After a successful surgery, my doctors and I have a kick-ass game plan to finish treatment."
Pikiell still plans to be involved with the team "to the best of my ability" as he undergoes chemotherapy in the coming months, but associate head coach Brandin Knight will be at the helm when Pikiell is unable to.
Rutgers athletic director Keli Zinn said there is no set timeline for when Pikiell will be able to fully return to the team.
"We are grateful to Coach Knight for his willingness to step up during this challenging time and to our entire staff for their great care and compassion for Coach and our student-athletes," Zinn said.
Pikiell arrived at Rutgers in 2016 and led the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Tournament in 2021, their first apperance in 30 years, and winning its first tournament game in 38 years. Rutgers again made the tournament the following season.
In 10 seasons in Piscataway, Pikiell is 161–160.
Knight has been at Rutgers since Pikiell's arrival in 2016, elevating his way from assistant to associate coach.
Rutgers opens the 2026-27 season against New Haven on Nov. 6.
BROOKLYN, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball as Ziaire Williams #1 of the Brooklyn Nets plays defense during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup on November 28, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers are not lacking for offensive firepower throughout their perimeter rotation. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are among the NBA’s foremost backcourts overall, especially offensively. Collin Sexton is a dynamite scorer off the bench. Quentin Grimes is a valuable floor-spacer who capably attacks closeouts.
To compete for home-court advantage and a top-four seed out West, though, they must prove they can competently defend on the perimeter. That is not a strength for Dončić, Reaves or Sexton. Grimes’ on-ball defense has ebbed and flowed throughout his career. Reinforcements in that department must arise elsewhere for Los Angeles to properly complement what should be a potent offensive unit led by Dončić and Reaves.
Enter Ziaire Williams, whom the Lakers inked to a one-year, $2.8 million deal earlier this summer. During a recent interview with Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register, Williams laid out the role Lakers head coach JJ Redick and President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka envision for him. Their priority, according to initial conversations he’s had with them, centers on “first and foremost, being a main defender, point-of-attack defender.”
Thus far in his career, Williams has shown some standout lateral agility and ability to navigate screens effectively. But he’ll need to find consistency on offense to amplify his defensive flashes.
Throughout his first five NBA seasons, he’s largely struggled as a shot-maker. He’s knocked down 42.2% of his field goals, including 32.2% beyond the arc, which compose more than half (55.4%) of his total attempts. He has, however, flashed keen off-ball movement, converted a career-high 34.3% of his triples last season and is a career 54.6% shooter inside the arc. He’s hoping all of those skills fit seamlessly alongside the Lakers’ primary creators.
“Obviously Luka (Doncic) and AR (Austin Reaves) are going to be the main primary ball handlers,” Williams told Royer. “So just playing off them, being able to shoot, cut, make plays in transition, stuff like that. They thought it was a great fit for me to be here, and the feeling was mutual.”
Williams will have the chance to compete for heavy minutes in the Lakers’ crowded, yet mostly unproven wing rotation this upcoming season. While the likes of Grimes, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt Matisse Thybulle, Adou Thiero, Dalton Knecht and rookie Cameron Carr will all similarly look to earn significant playing time, any definitive claim to minutes — save for maybe Grimes — seems dubious currently. If Williams expands upon his career-best year in 2025-26, the chance to carve out a prominent role is absolutely available.
“I just thought it was a great opportunity,” Williams said of why he chose to sign with the Lakers after averaging a career-high 10.2 points per game for the Brooklyn Nets last season. “Being that big wing, versatile player that they needed, I just thought it was a great opportunity for me to be a Laker. Even if the same team was in New Orleans or Milwaukee, wherever – just the opportunity that was here and the team that they had, I just thought it was the best fit. And then just being back home in L.A. is the cherry on top. Being able to play in front of my family and my friends, and I’m super excited.”
Jalen Brunson is taking another legendary step, joining Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Charles Barkley in another rare milestone for an NBA career:
Brunson will host the season opener of Saturday Night Live on Sept. 26 with musical guest KATSEYE.
Brunson became a New York legend and icon as the NBA Finals MVP, leading the Knicks to their first title in 53 years last June, setting off wild celebrations around the city that might still be going on. With plenty of Knicks fans on staff with SNL, this was not going to be a hard sell.
Technically, this does come a few days after the start of Knicks training camp, but like anybody was going to tell Brunson no here. If there was one thing I would be sure of, it's other Knicks appearing on that show in some capacity.
The list of professional athletes who have hosted Saturday Night Live is long and storied, and includes Joe Montana and Walter Payton (as co-hosts in 1987 before the Super Bowl), Wayne Gretzky, Dion Sanders, Derek Jeter, Jeff Gordon, Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Peyton Manning, and Travis Kelce, just to name a few. Charles Barkley has hosted four times.
In addition to the broadcast on NBC (11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT), "SNL" streams live on Peacock. Stream every season of SNL now on Peacock.
The “Savage” rapper admitted in a recent interview with InStyle that her split from the former Golden State Warriors superstar has caused her to “feel like I’ve been put through the washing machine and the dryer with tins, shovels, and a cactus.”
Music artist Megan Thee Stallion kisses her boyfriend, Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson, at the end of a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Megan began dating Thompson last year, and for months, they looked to be on the path of marriage. The two were constantly together, and she even showed up to a number of his NBA games to cheer him on from a courtside chair.
However, in April, Megan announced the pair had separated, writing in an Instagram post that Thompson had cheated on her.
During her chat with InStyle, Megan called the whole situation “very rough.”
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers’ Rodney Hood defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, in Los Angeles. AP
“How do I want to say this gently?” she said. “What’s meant for you is always going to work out. And if something is constantly making you feel uncomfortable, just on edge all the time, you probably are not supposed to be there.
“God will always make you uncomfortable when something is not meant for you. I think I just kept trying to make pieces fit that didn’t belong, trying to fit myself into someone else’s life. I was losing myself a little bit. I am now in the space of finding me again.”
Megan added that she’s now seeking a relationship in which she and her boyfriend are on the same pedestal.
Megan Thee Stallion performs onstage during night 3 of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture at Caesars Superdome on Sunday, July 2, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Getty Images
“I cannot be minimized,” she said. “I will not be behind any man. I will have a partner. I will be equals with my partner. I’m never gonna take the backseat to anything. So just going forward, I think I’ve just learned this is the type of person that I want to be with, this is what I will tolerate, this is what I won’t tolerate. And if you can’t take that, we just gotta respectfully go our separate ways.”
As for how the single life is treating her, Megan said she’s learning that “being by yourself is OK.”
“Like, I ain’t smiled so much in so long,” she said. “Like, I’m outside twirling in the grass like, ‘Wow, it’s a beautiful day outside!’
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
All-time great players achieve that status by continually defying norms, yet Father Time remains undefeated.
James Harden will be remembered as one of the ten best guards in league history when all is said and done. His peak as a one-man offense in the 2010s with the Houston Rockets hasn’t been topped by many; neither has his incredible longevity. He’s 189 assists away from becoming the only player besides LeBron James to rank in the top ten all-time in both points and assists. But even all-time greats have an expiration date.
Harden’s game has aged gracefully over the last handful of years. He isn’t the one-man offense he was in his prime, yet he has continually found ways to fit into and elevate groups as a supporting piece.
That carried over this past season to Cleveland. The Cavaliers played their best in the playoffs when Harden was on the floor. His ability to orchestrate the offense and take over late in games when needed is one of the reasons why the Cavs were able to advance to the Conference Finals for the first time in eight seasons.
If we judge his new contract on how he just played, this would be a good deal for Cleveland.
Every dollar matters in a salary cap league. That’s especially true for a team like the Cavs that has been doing everything in its power to cut costs after spending last season in the second apron. However, you aren’t going to get a guard playing at or near an All-Star level that isn’t on a rookie deal for cheaper.
To evaluate the contract, let’s first try to pinpoint where exactly Harden is from a skill perspective going into this season.
Player ranking guides shouldn’t be taken as gospel truth, but they do provide a general consensus for where someone stands in the league hierarchy. Currently, The Ringer and NBA 2K27 have him as the 31st-best player. HoopsHype lists him as the ninth-best guard.
This is in line with where some of the catch-all stats have him as well. Dunks and Threes’ actual estimated-plus minus has him at 38th (93rd percentile) last season. Basketball-Reference’s catch-all stats view him a little more favorably, as he was 21st in player efficiency rating (20.7), 19th in box-plus-minus (3.9), and 14th in value of replacement player (3.6).
How much stock you want to put into any of that is up to you. What we can comfortably say is that ranking him as the 31st-best player in the league is completely reasonable.
Now, let’s look at where he stacks up in annual value on his contract. Harden’s contract is expected to start just below $30 million for this upcoming season and should escalate to $34.9 million on the third and final year of his deal.
The $29.7 million he is expected to earn next season would give him the 64th-highest annual salary in the league. That placement is good value for what you’re expecting to get from him, especially considering the quality of many of the players making more than him. Jimmy Butler ($56.8 million), Trae Young ($49.5 million), Zach LaVine ($50 million), Domantas Sabonis ($45.5 million), and Brandon Ingram ($40 million) are all set to make $10 million more than Harden next season. This list puts into perspective how bad some contracts are, and how this isn’t one of them, based on how Harden has been playing.
However, that evaluation is contingent on Harden still being at or near his recent level. NBA history suggests that he won’t continue to do so over the next three years.
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 3: James Harden #1 and Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on November 3, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Finding a recent comparison for Harden is difficult. Few guards have sustained the consistent level of play for as long as he has. One that comes to mind is Chris Paul.
Catch-all stats are flawed, but they can be used as guideposts for where a career is going. Harden finished 32nd in ESPN’s Player Efficiency this past season at age 36. At the same point in his career, Paul ranked 38th.
Paul made his final All-Star appearance at age 36. He was coming off another impressive season, helping lead the Phoenix Suns to 64 wins. There wasn’t much in his game at that time that would suggest he would begin to decline. That inevitably started during his age-37 season.
Paul was still good at 37. His overall points, assists, and efficiency were down from the year before, but he was still a high-quality player. However, a closer look at some of the advanced stats would suggest a noticeable drop-off that would continue
Paul went from 38th to 76th in ESPN’s Player Efficiency Rating between his age-36 and age-37 seasons. That slide continued as he finished 148th in Player Efficiency Rating during his age-38 season and then 170th in his last full season at age 39.
Harden has more size than Paul, which should help him age better. However, there’s no denying the simple fact that we don’t typically see good guard play from guys at this point in their careers.
There aren’t many examples of someone playing at or near an All-Star level at age 37. Only 12 players in league history have been on an All-Star team at age 37. The list keeps getting smaller the older you get. Only five players have been All-Stars at age 38 (LeBron, Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and just three at age 39 (LeBron, Jordan, and Abdul-Jabbar).
More to that point, it’s rare for 39-year-olds to even be in the league. There are only three currently rostered players who will be 39 or older at the start of the season: Mike Conley, Al Horford, and LeBron.
Just because there isn’t a historical precedent for guys playing at a high level in their late 30s doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Last season, Kevin Durant made the All-NBA Second Team, and Steph Curry was still playing at an elite level at age 37. Both are expected to be All-Star-quality players again this upcoming season. Harden certainly has the talent to follow in their footsteps.
Overall, history isn’t on Harden’s or the Cavs side. A significant drop-off in play comes for everyone at some point. That’s true even for all-time great guards like Harden. Odds are this happens for Harden sometime over the lifetime of this new contract.
Still, this is a deal the Cavs felt they had to make. They mortgaged future money in 2028 for more flexibility now to get out from under the second apron and execute a sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson. Neither of those things would’ve been possible if Harden had simply opted in to his $42.3 million player option.
Now, we’ll wait and see whether or not this short-term gamble ages like Harden’s gas station wine or a French Sauvignon Blanc.
