The Los Angeles Clippers and star guard James Harden have come to terms on a new 2 year, $70M contract according to reports.
Harden, who entered the offseason as a free agent, wasted little time in re-upping with the Clippers, adding some certainty to the direction of the club in 2024-25. The signing comes on the heels of forward Paul George opting out of his contract in order to test free agency.
The Los Angeles native averaged 16.6 points and 8.5 assists in 72 games for the Clippers this past season. Harden, who will turn 35 this year, joined LA following a much publicized disagreement with the 76ers front office, and fit in well with the team’s core group of players.
The former ASU standout ranked second in the NBA in points per isolation last season, but also excelled in pick and roll scenarios with George and Kawhi Leonard. While no longer putting up regular 30+ point efforts, Harden embraced his role as more of an off ball shooter when all three of the Clippers stars were on the court simultaneously.
With Los Angeles previously extending Leonard on a 3 year, $149.5M contract, all eyes were on George and Harden as the NBA’s free agency period kicked off. WIth Harden back in the fold, the team will now look to re-up with George whom they paid a king’s ransom to acquire on July 10th, 2019.
George’s camp is expected to meet with the Clippers, Magic, and 76ers over the coming days before making a decision. However, seeing both Leonard and Harden returning for 2024-25 will likely factor heavily in PG13’s decision.
Harden’s deal was negotiated by Mike Silverman, Troy Payne and Brandon Grier of Equity Sports.
Photo: Tim Shelby. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.