The Los Angeles Clippers re-signed 10-time All-Star James Harden on Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not announced but multiple outlets reported early last week it's a two-year deal worth $70 million, with a player option in Year 2 of the deal. Harden, 34, averaged 16.6 points, 8.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 72 games last season in his first campaign with the Clippers. "James was everything we hoped he would be when we acquired him from Philadelphia last season: a proven scorer, gifted passer and natural facilitator who protects the ball and makes the game easier for others," president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in a statement. "James cares about his craft and works tirelessly at it. We were better for his presence last year and we will be again." The Clippers acquired Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers shortly after the start of last season in a three-team trade that also included the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden had sought a trade after having a financial dispute and subsequent fallout with 76ers president of basketball ops Daryl Morey. Harden was the 2017-18 NBA MVP and a three-time scoring champion during his eight-plus seasons with the Houston Rockets. He averaged a career-best 36.1 points in 2018-19. Harden has career averages of 24.1 points, 7.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 1,072 games over 15 NBA seasons. --Field Level Media
Apr 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) shoots past Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports