James Harden and the Clippers: A New Deal
The basketball star, James Harden, has made a crucial decision regarding his future in the NBA. According to sources close to him, Harden has chosen to decline his player option for $36.3 million.
Instead of exercising that option, the talented player intends to sign a new two-year contract and $81.5 million to continue his career with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The second year of the proposed agreement includes a player option and is partially guaranteed, according to the same sources.
This negotiation solidifies the strong partnership Harden has built with the Clippers since his arrival on the team. This agreement grants him a well-deserved salary increase, while providing the franchise with flexibility to strengthen its roster both in the present and in the future.
Harden, who has been selected to the All-Star team eleven times, received All-NBA honors for the first time since the 2019-20 season, after another outstanding regular season with the Clippers.
During the season, the 35-year-old player averaged 22.8 points and 8.7 assists, demonstrating his value on the court.
The experienced point guard was a fundamental pillar for the Los Angeles team, which suffered the absence of Kawhi Leonard for a large part of the season.
Harden played in 79 games, his most since the 2016-17 season, and finished among the top five players with the most minutes played in the league.
Additionally, he became the only player last season to reach 1,500 points, 500 assists, 100 steals, and 50 blocks.
Harden’s outstanding performance and availability significantly contributed to what many considered a successful season for the Clippers, who managed to win 50 games and secure a direct playoff spot as the fifth seed.
