Report: James Harden agrees to $118M extension with the Rockets

James Harden’s new four year deal with the Rockets is rumored to be worth $118 million.

All-Star James Harden has agreed to stay in Houston for the next four years. The prolific shooter will be in the Rocket’s red through 2020, sources told The Vertical.

Harden was traded to the Rockets in 2012 after failing to reach terms with the Thunder, who were reportedly shopping him around to get enough money to keep the rising star of Russell Westbrook along with Kevin Durant. Despite rarely playing defense at all, Harden is still one of the NBA’s best players. The 7-year veteran and 4-time All Star might have his better days ahead of him as well. His points per game climbed to 29.0 in 2016, an all-time high for Harden.

James Harden takes a lot of critique, not because he’s a bad defender, but because he does not attempt to be good at defending. Defensive crisis aside, Harden is still a player many teams would kill to have on the roster. He’s entering into the prime of his career, and on average, he’s shooting excellently.

Houston has already stated their intent to make Harden the centerpiece of their team by firing Kevin McHale and trying to shop Dwight Howard upon Harden’s rumored request. It’s no surprise that they’re shelling out the big bucks to keep him in town, as at this point he might run the franchise himself. I’m not sure if Harden is worth that much, but I do know he’s the best thing the Rockets can get to build around.

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