James Harden will stay with the Clippers.
The 10-time All-Star and former league MVP agreed to a two-year, $70 million contract to remain in Los Angeles. Shams Charania of the Athletic reported. The contract will increase Player option in the second seasonAccording to the report.
News of the Harden deal came hours Sunday before the Clippers announced that Paul George would be leaving in free agency. Although it is unclear where he will land, George told the Clippers that he will not be returning to the team after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. The Philadelphia 76ers are said to be the frontrunners to land the nine-time star winger.
Meanwhile, it looks like Russell Westbrook is headed to another team as well. Shortly after free agency talks opened on Sunday, the Clippers are working on finding a trade partner for the veteran point guard, sources told Yahoo Sports’ Jack Fisher.
Russell Westbrook has a $4 million opt-out for this 2024-25 season, and the Clippers are now working to find a trade for Westbrook, according to league sources. @Yahoo Sports: https://t.co/njTZVUpZbw
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 30, 2024
At the end of Sunday, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports Former Dallas Mavericks forward Derek Jones Jr. has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Clippers.
What role will Harden play with the Clippers next season?
At 34 years old, Harden won three scoring titles and an MVP during his tenure. He played a rare role with the Clippers last season as the third scoring option behind Leonard and George.
His 16.6 points per game average is his lowest since coming off the bench behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City in 2011-12. It was the first time since that season that he averaged less than 20 points per game.
He led the Clippers with 8.5 assists and 1.1 rebounds. His 4.8 free throws per game were the third fewest in his career.
Harden had his healthiest campaign in years. He played in 72 games for the Clippers, the first time he played more than 68 games since the 2018-19 season.
Harden joins the Clippers as a third member of the Big Three as Los Angeles sits in fourth place in the West at 51-31. With Leonard out and out for four games, the Clippers lost to the eventual Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.
Harden can still put up points when needed. Leonard averaged 21.2 points, eight assists and 4.5 rebounds while sitting out most of the series. He scored 33 in a Game 4 road game against the Mavericks.
Harden’s personal career choice is complete. But he’s still looking for his first NBA title as he approaches his 16th season.