James Harden Joins the Clippers: A Lucrative Two-Year, $81.5 Million Agreement

Sources indicate that James Harden intends to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year contract worth $81.5 million following his decision to decline a $36.3 million player option. This new contract encompasses a player option and includes partial guarantee for the second year. After an impressive season where Harden contributed significantly to the Clippers, helping them outshine preseason forecasts by securing a fifth-place finish in the Western Conference and earning a spot on the All-NBA third team, this deal represents a salary increase for him. Harden, who topped the NBA with 129 step-back 3-pointers, averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. This agreement also grants the Clippers access to the $14.1 million non-tax mid-level exception, enabling ongoing roster enhancement. Clipper's president, Lawrence Frank, emphasized Harden as their top priority, expressing optimism for a mutually beneficial agreement. Despite key injuries impacting the team, Harden's leadership guided the Clippers to 50 wins in his second year.