James Harden Signs Two-Year Deal with Clippers

James Harden is committing to the Los Angeles Clippers, opting to decline his player option and instead sign a fresh two-year contract worth $81.5 million. This move signifies Harden's belief in the Clippers' long-term potential and sets the stage for a continued partnership with Kawhi Leonard. The deadline for Harden to decide on his previous contract was Sunday, June 29.

By declining his player option, Harden forgoes the final year of his previous agreement, which would have kept him with the Clippers through the 2025-26 season. The new contract aligns Harden's timeline with Leonard, who is also under contract for two more seasons, solidifying the Clippers' core duo through the 2026-27 season.

Harden proved to be a vital component for the Clippers this past season, particularly during Leonard's injury struggles. He demonstrated his durability by playing significant minutes (35.3 per game) and starting in 79 contests. His contributions were substantial, averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game.

While the Clippers' playoff run was cut short in a first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, Harden's play stood out. He led all postseason participants with an impressive 9.1 assists per game, underscoring his playmaking ability. The Clippers finished the regular season strong, showcasing their potential by winning 18 of their last 21 games.

The 11-time All-Star and former MVP (2017-18) is entering his 17th NBA season. With 27,687 career points, Harden currently ranks 11th on the NBA's all-time scoring list, a testament to his enduring impact on the game.