James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers have agreed on a two-year, $81.5 million contract that secures the veteran guard through at least the 2025–26 season, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The deal marks a significant raise from Harden’s previous two-year, $70 million contract, which he signed after arriving in Los Angeles via trade from the Philadelphia 76ers in October 2023.
Harden declined his player option for next season to negotiate a new agreement, which now aligns with Kawhi Leonard’s deal expiring after 2026–27, preserving the team’s competitive window.
The contract includes a base salary of $39.2 million for the 2025–26 season and a player option for 2026–27, partially guaranteed at $13.3 million if exercised.
In his first full campaign with the Clippers, Harden averaged 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game while shooting 41% from the field and earning All-NBA Third Team honors.
His production helped Los Angeles remain competitive despite losing Paul George in free agency and reshaping the roster around Harden, Leonard, and Ivica Zubac.
However, the Clippers’ postseason ended in disappointment, falling to the Denver Nuggets in a hard-fought seven-game first-round series.
Harden was acquired in a blockbuster trade that sent Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, KJ Martin, and multiple draft picks to Philadelphia, underscoring the Clippers’ commitment to pairing him with Leonard.
