✅ Move Breakdown:
New Deal: 2 years, $81.5 million total (~$40.75M annually)
Includes: Player Option and partial guarantee in Year 2
Previous Contract: Declined 2025–26 player option (~$35.6M)
✅ Player Stats & Role
2024-25 Stats: 22.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 8.7 APG, 41.0% FG in 34 MPG (*79 games played*)
– Served as the Clippers’ primary playmaker and secondary scorer, consistently setting up teammates while maintaining efficient production. Played a key role in the team’s playoff push and earned All-NBA Third Team honors.
✅ Final Grading (Including summary)
🚢 LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS - Final Grading: A-
Rationale: – This contract rewards Harden’s continued elite play while maintaining flexibility through a player option and partial guarantee. Averaging 22.8 points and 8.7 assists in 79 games, Harden proved he can still operate at an All-Star level and lead a playoff-caliber offense. The short-term nature of the deal protects the Clippers from long-term cap issues while keeping their title window open. It's a calculated and well-structured commitment to a star who's earned trust in their system.
✅ Sources