James Harden’s New Contract with the Los Angeles Clippers
James Harden, a seasoned 11-time NBA All-Star poised to celebrate his 36th birthday this August, has reportedly chosen to forgo his $36.3 million player option. Instead, he will re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a lucrative two-year deal valued at $81.5 million, as confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Harden’s Performance and Impact
Harden, who shared the court with fellow future Hall of Famer Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles, had a productive season, averaging 22.8 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 41% from the field, 35% from three-point range, and 87% from the charity stripe. Additionally, he contributed 8.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while playing an average of nearly 35 minutes across 79 starts. Under his guidance, the Clippers excelled to a 50-32 record, securing fifth place in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Notably, Harden’s play significantly impacted center Ivica Zubac, who enjoyed a standout season, averaging a career-best 16.8 points per game. Zubac emerged as one of the top roll men in the league, capitalizing on pick-and-roll situations to score at an impressive rate of 1.25 points per possession.
Playoff Performance and Criticism
In the playoffs, Harden showcased his abilities in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, where he delivered a remarkable performance with 32 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds that helped his team clinch a nail-biting 112-110 overtime victory.
However, as the series progressed, his performance waned, culminating in a disappointing Game 7 where he managed only seven points on 2-of-8 shooting in what ended as a 120-101 defeat. This inconsistency in crucial playoff moments has fed into long-standing criticisms regarding Harden’s ability to perform under pressure, a narrative that has shadowed him throughout his career.
Future Prospects and Team Dynamics
Harden’s challenges in the playoffs, coupled with his advancing age and scrutiny of his off-court activities, have contributed to a dwindling pool of interested teams. This situation followed his contentious exit from the Philadelphia 76ers, where he felt entitled to a max contract amidst a contentious relationship with executive Daryl Morey. Ultimately, the Clippers stepped in, signing him to a significant two-year, $70 million extension in the summer of 2024, highlighting their faith in his capabilities despite recent criticisms.
