James Harden made a decision on his future shortly ahead of the official start of free agency on Sunday, and the 10-time All-Star is not going anywhere.
Harden has agreed to a two-year, $70 million contract to remain with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The deal includes a player option for the second year.
James Harden's $70 million deal includes a player option for Year 2, sources said. https://t.co/3cUiid3ugb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2024
There was some doubt that Harden would remain in L.A. simply because the two sides have had since the NBA Finals ended on June 17 to negotiate a new deal. Even though nearly two weeks passed before a new deal was reached, it seems like Harden never truly tested free agency.
Harden, 34, was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets last November following a highly publicized falling out with executive Daryl Morey. Harden averaged 16.6 points and 8.5 assists per game in L.A. His ability to take on a large share of ball-handling duties has made him a valuable piece for the Clippers alongside Kawhi Leonard.
The big question now is whether the Clippers will also bring back Paul George, who did not exercise his $48.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season. L.A. has not shown a willingness to offer George a full four-year max contract, and one Eastern Conference contender is looking more and more like a legitimate contender to sign him.
