As anticipated, the Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to re-sign guard James Harden once free agency starts, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. The Cavs traded Darius Garland at the trade deadline to acquire Harden, a major shake-up that shifted the outlook of the team for the near future. That includes more than the current season.

Windhorst says the Cavs traded for Harden with the intent of getting multiple seasons out of him, along with greater certainty that he would be healthy enough to play in the playoffs. Garland, for as much of a fan favorite as he was, described his injury as like playing with nine toes. Harden, despite being ten years older than Garland, has had a cleaner bill of health. Of course, Harden also wanted contract certainty heading into next season — something his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers were not willing to provide.

The Cavs were willing to work out a new deal with Harden and his representation, according to Windhorst, with the understanding that it would be a multi-year deal. Harden has a $42 million player option (with $13 million guaranteed), and the rebuilding Clippers were not willing to absorb that. Cleveland, who is all-in to win right now, saw it as an opportunity.

While no contract agreement is allowed to be announced, the Cavs appeared willing to play ball with the former MVP and his team to work out a deal. Besides, Harden would have rejected any deal that did not have this handshake agreement as part of the trade.

Despite several uneven playoff performances already for Harden, the overwhelming expectation is that he will remain in the wine and gold for a few more years to come. There could be more changes on the way as well, and some big ones at that.