Harden's contract extension countdown begins! Cavaliers shopping Strus and Schroder, Lakers and others eyeing Wade

On June 29 Beijing time, if the Cavaliers want to keep star guard Harden and veteran big man Dean Wade, they must make salary cap adjustments.

Basketball media HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto reported: "The Cavaliers are dealing with Harden's extension while also facing Wade's impending free agency. With the team's salary already exceeding the second luxury tax apron,Max Strus and Dennis Schroder have been placed on the trade table."

Strus played only 12 regular-season games in the 2025-26 season due to foot surgery, but appeared in all 18 playoff games. The 30-year-old player possesses quality 3-and-D attributes, and multiple teams are expected to be interested in trading for him.

Schroder was acquired by the Cavaliers mid-season through a trade with the Kings. As the backup point guard behind Mitchell, he took on an important rotational role. This veteran is already accustomed to being traded, having gone through eight transfers in his career.

NBA well-known reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fisher recently reported that the Cavaliers and Harden are widely expected to reach a verbal agreement on a multi-year contract "soon." Harden was acquired by the team from the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline. He holds a $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season,which will become fully guaranteed on July 12. Both sides hope to finalize a new extension before that date.

Scotto, citing league sources, reported thatWade will draw interest from multiple teams in free agency. Teams looking to sign him besides the Cavaliers include the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers.

It's clear that the Cavaliers' current priority is to retain Harden and Wade, so players like Strus and Schroder can be used as trade chips this offseason.