Reports: James Harden Declines Option, Set to Re-Sign With Clippers on 2-Year, $81.5M Deal
The 11-time All-Star opts out — then cashes in — as LA keeps its core intact
The Beard is staying in LA.
According to multiple reports, James Harden has declined his $35.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season and will instead re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a new 2-year, $81.5 million contract — a deal that includes a player option after Year 1.
The move gives both sides flexibility: Harden secures a bump in annual salary while the Clippers retain their All-Star playmaker as they continue to chase the franchise’s elusive first championship.
Vintage Harden, Year 16
Fresh off his 16th NBA season, Harden proved he’s still elite. He averaged:
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22.8 points
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5.8 rebounds
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8.7 assists
That stat line put him in rare air. Only LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant have ever averaged at least 22/5/5 that late in their careers. Harden also made his 11th All-Star appearance and earned All-NBA honors for the first time since 2020.
Climbing the Record Books
Harden enters the upcoming season:
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11th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list (27,687 points), within striking distance of Carmelo Anthony (No. 10) and Shaquille O’Neal (No. 9)
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13th in career assists (8,316), just behind Andre Miller and Gary Payton
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2nd in all-time made 3-pointers (3,175), trailing only Stephen Curry (4,058)
Why It Matters for the Clippers
Harden’s return ensures LA’s veteran trio — Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George — remains intact heading into the 2025-26 campaign. After a rocky start to his Clippers tenure in 2023, Harden found a rhythm in 2024-25, helping lead a deep playoff run and giving LA reason to believe the window is still open.
The 2-year deal gives the Clippers a “win-now” setup with optionality next summer if the championship dreams fizzle again.
What’s Next
With Harden committed and free agency heating up, all eyes now turn to the Clippers’ next big decision: Paul George, who has also been rumored to be weighing his own player option. If LA can bring him back too, they’ll return one of the league’s most experienced cores.
For now, one thing is clear: The Beard isn’t done cooking.
