James Harden extends with Clippers until 2027 with $81.5 million contract

James Harden has officially declined his $36.3 million player option for the 2025-2026 season and committed to the Los Angeles Clippers for two years, worth $81.5 million. This decision demonstrates the 35-year-old veteran’s desire to continue his California journey until 2027.

BREAKING: 11-time NBA All-Star James Harden is declining his player option and intends to sign a new two-year, $81.5 million contract to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/qQMwkkMjMs

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025

A revival season justifying this extension

After a mixed first season with the Clippers, James Harden returned to his All-Star level during the 2024-2025 season. The point guard averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, becoming the team’s offensive leader again. This performance earned him his first All-NBA team selection since 2019-2020.

The 2018 MVP benefited from Paul George‘s departure to Philadelphia and Kawhi Leonard‘s extended absence to become the primary offensive option. He became the only player in the league to compile over 1,500 points, 500 assists, 100 steals, and 50 blocks in the season. Playing 79 games (his highest total since 2016-2017) was crucial in the Clippers’ direct qualification for playoffs.

A win-win deal for the Clippers’ future

This new contract, structured as 1+1 with a partially guaranteed player option for the second year, offers flexibility to both parties. Harden gets a deserved raise from his previous salary, while the Clippers retain their leader while keeping future options open.

Lawrence Frank, Clippers’ President of Basketball Operations, had clearly expressed his priorities: « He is our number 1 priority. We really hope James is here and stays for a long time. James has been phenomenal last season and we hope to continue seeing this level of play. »

This extension follows a season where the Clippers exceeded expectations with 50 wins and a fifth place in the West, despite injuries. After years of instability between Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, Harden seems to have found his home port for years to come.