Veteran NBA star James Harden has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers but is expected to remain with the team by signing a new two-year deal worth $81.5 million, according to ESPN.
Harden had until Sunday, June 29, to decide whether to exercise his player option for the 2025–26 season. By declining it, the 11-time All-Star paves the way for a fresh agreement that aligns with the contract timeline of his teammate Kawhi Leonard, who is also signed through the 2026–27 season. This move ensures continuity for the Clippers’ star duo over the next two years.
The 2017–18 NBA Most Valuable Player was a steady presence for Los Angeles throughout the 2024–25 season, especially during periods when Leonard was sidelined due to knee inflammation. Harden started 79 games, averaging 35.3 minutes, 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Despite a short playoff run that ended in a dramatic seven-game first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, Harden led all postseason participants in assists, averaging 9.1 per game.
The Clippers finished the regular season strong, winning 18 of their last 21 games, including their final eight. Harden’s leadership and playmaking were crucial to that stretch.
Now entering his 17th NBA season, Harden has accumulated 27,687 career points, placing him 11th on the league’s all-time scoring list.
The anticipated re-signing signals the Clippers’ commitment to contending with a veteran core, anchored by the continued partnership between Harden and Leonard.
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Source: usatoday.com
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