According to sources, James Harden plans to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $81.5 million contract after declining his $36.3 million player option. Harden’s contract features a player option and is partially guaranteed for the second year.
After the 11-time All-Star helped the Clippers surpass most preseason projections by finishing fifth in the Western Conference and being named to the All-NBA third team, the deal provides Harden a raise. According to GeniusIQ, Harden led the NBA in step-back 3-pointers with 129, and he averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.
With the contract, the Clippers will also have access to the $14.1 million non-tax mid-level exception and retain the ability to add talent both now and in the future.
With Harden and Kawhi Leonard together for the upcoming season, the Clippers are still competitive and keep both players on the same schedule, especially because Leonard has two years left on his contract.
Regarding Harden on Wednesday, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank stated: “He’s our No. 1 priority,”
“We’re super hopeful that James is here, and he’s here for a long time. … He can opt out, and hopefully we can do a deal that makes sense for both sides.”
Despite Leonard (knee) missing the first two months of the season and Paul George leaving in free agency over the offseason, Harden helped the Clippers surpass preseason expectations in his second season with the team, winning 50 games.
