NBA: James Harden Inks $81.5M Deal to Remain with Clippers

James Harden isn’t going anywhere.

The 11-time NBA All-Star has reportedly agreed to a new two-year, $81.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN. Harden will decline his $36.3 million player option for the 2025–26 season in favor of the new deal, which includes a player option in the second year and is partially guaranteed.

The move locks in the 35-year-old veteran for at least one more season in L.A., where he just completed his second year with the team.

A Strong Showing in Year Two

Harden averaged 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game last season, becoming just the second player in NBA history—alongside LeBron James—to post such numbers at age 35. His durability has also been notable: Harden played at least 72 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2018–19.

The Clippers finished with a 50–32 record, securing the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. However, their postseason run ended early, falling to the Denver Nuggets in seven games in the first round. Harden scored just seven points in Game 7, a disappointing finish to an otherwise productive season.

Leadership Amid Injuries

With Kawhi Leonard sidelined for a significant stretch due to a knee injury, Harden carried the offensive load and emerged as a steadying presence in the lineup. His new deal signals the Clippers' continued belief in his value as a cornerstone of their championship aspirations.

This is a developing story — stay tuned for more updates on the Clippers’ offseason moves.