James Harden is declining his $36.3 million player option and intends to sign a new two-year, $81.5 million contract to return to the LA Clippers, sources told ESPN on Sunday.
The second year of Harden's deal has a player option and is partially guaranteed, sources said. The agreement furthers the strong partnership Harden has forged with the Clippers since he arrived. He receives a well-deserved raise while providing the team with flexibility to add talent in the present and future.
An 11-time All-Star, Harden, 35, earned All-NBA honors for the first time since 2019-20 after another stellar regular season with the Clippers in which he averaged 22.