James Harden has opened up about his long-term future, admitting he is “starting to think about” life after basketball but insists retirement remains some distance away.
The Cavaliers guard told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears that he “definitely” wants to play 20 seasons, with the former MVP set to enter his 18th NBA year in 2026/27.
Harden had already signalled his desire to remain in Cleveland during his post-game media session after the Cavaliers’ season ended on Monday, and he repeated that message to Spears.
The veteran guard is confident Cleveland can be an even stronger outfit next season, having now had a full offseason and training camp with the club behind him.
“I told the guys I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” Harden said to Spears, adding that he has no issue playing off the ball or taking fewer shots.
“You can come talk to me about anything and I’m willing to do it,” he continued, describing that flexible mindset as central to his approach heading into next season.
“Coming into my 18th year, I don’t have no pride. I just want to win,” Harden said, rounding out his message with a straightforward declaration of intent.
Elsewhere in the Central Division, the Indiana Pacers are holding a pair of pre-draft workouts this week, featuring a combined 12 prospects across Thursday and Friday sessions.
Thursday’s group includes Nimari Burnett, Tucker DeVries, Sam Hoiberg, Emanuel Sharp, Peter Suder, and Seth Trimble, while MJ Collins, Barry Dunning, Nate Johnson, Jaxon Kohler, Kowacie Reeves, and Ernest Udeh are set to work out on Friday.
Indiana does not currently own a 2026 draft pick but is conducting due diligence, as the team could trade back into the draft and is expected to add undrafted free agents to its training camp roster.
In Chicago, questions are swirling around Josh Giddey despite the 23-year-old holding a four-year, $100MM contract signed last summer, making him the player owed the most long-term guaranteed money on the Bulls’ roster.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, that contract does not necessarily make Giddey a franchise cornerstone, with more time needed to gauge how new head of basketball operations Bryson Graham values Chicago’s point guard.
Meanwhile, a detailed evaluation of the Detroit Pistons’ upcoming offseason by Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron has raised questions about whether the team should operate under the cap to pursue an impact free agent.
Gozlan also explored how Detroit could add more offensive firepower, given that both Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson, identified as non-shooters, are set to become more expensive for the franchise.
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