James Harden is staying with the Los Angeles Clippers for two more years—something many expected, but few anticipated would cost the team $81.5 million to make it happen. It’s a major salary commitment.
Harden, who has already spent two seasons with the Clippers, is signing a new two-year deal that will keep him in L.A. through 2027, assuming everything goes according to plan. His annual salary will top $40 million, though it still falls short of the career-high earnings he once had with the Houston Rockets.
“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,” reported Shams Charania on X. The post drew 1.7 million views during a busy day of trades and movement around the NBA.
What’s been Harden’s highest-paid season?
To date, Harden’s highest annual salary came during the 2019–2022 stretch with the Rockets, where he earned $42.78 million per year. Under his new deal with the Clippers, he’ll be making $40.75 million annually—a slight drop, but still substantial. His time in Houston remains his most lucrative when it comes to per-season earnings.
James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers is guarded by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors
More money with the Clippers
This latest deal doesn’t just secure Harden’s future—it also cements the Clippers as one of the most financially rewarding stops of his career. After making $70 million in his first two years with L.A., this new $81.5 million contract brings his total Clippers earnings to $151.5 million, making it the second-most he’s earned with a single NBA franchise. He earned $178 million during his tenure with the Rockets.
SurveyIs it a good idea for the Clippers to give Harden so much money?
Is it a good idea for the Clippers to give Harden so much money?
ALREADY VOTED 0 PEOPLE
Is Harden now the highest-paid Clipper?
Not quite. Harden will rank second on the Clippers’ payroll behind Kawhi Leonard, who’s set to make $49.8 million annually. The third-highest salary on the roster doesn’t even reach $20 million—Norman Powell sits at $18 million per year.
