James Harden has agreed to a two-year contract worth $81.5 million to remain with the Los Angeles Clippers, rejecting his player option for the next season. This new deal secures Harden’s presence with the team through the 2026-27 NBA season and retains a player option for the second year, giving him flexibility.
Harden’s Recent Performance and Team Contributions
Having played for the Clippers over the past two seasons, Harden, soon to turn 36, has averaged 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 8.6 assists across 151 games. Though he has been a significant contributor on both ends of the court, the Clippers have faced early playoff exits despite winning 101 games during that span. Harden’s leadership and offensive skills remain vital to the team’s success moving forward.
Supporting Players and Team Challenges This Season
In the most recent campaign, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac delivered strong performances, providing solid support around Harden. However, Kawhi Leonard’s ongoing injury issues limited him to only 37 games, which impacted the Clippers’ overall competitiveness. Despite talented players on the roster, the team struggled to advance deep into the postseason without Leonard’s consistent presence.
Upcoming Free Agency and Team Strategy
The NBA’s free agency negotiation period will start on Monday night, with all new transactions becoming official on July 6 at the beginning of the new league year. The Clippers plan to use their $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception to potentially add another player to complement their current core. Managing salary constraints while improving the roster is expected to be a priority during this period.
Harden’s Impact and Future with the Clippers
James Harden, an 11-time NBA All-Star and recent All-NBA Third Team honoree, has expressed his commitment to the Clippers through his new contract. His decision to stay reflects a strong desire to contribute to the team’s effort to make deeper playoff runs in upcoming years. Harden’s experience and playmaking ability will continue to be central to Los Angeles’ game plan on both ends of the floor.
What This Means for the Clippers Moving Forward
The freshly inked contract marks a significant chapter in Harden’s career and underscores the Clippers’ intent to remain competitive in the Western Conference. While the team has faced setbacks due to injuries and early playoff departures, retaining Harden offers stability and leadership. As roster adjustments take shape in the offseason, Los Angeles hopes to strengthen its lineup to contend more aggressively in the seasons ahead.