James Harden, Rockets agree on four-year extension to guarantee him $228 million
By Trey Daubert
James Harden and the Houston Rockets are expected to agree on a contract extension. The new deal will add four years to his current deal to guarantee him $220 through the 2022-2023 season.
James Harden is now the highest paid player in NBA history. After Steph Curry claimed the highest paid player title early on this summer, Harden’s new extension with Houston will make him the richest mans the sport has ever seen. Harden and the Houston Rockets are progressing towards a deal that will secure him $220 million through the 2022-2023 season.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN had the details of talks between the Rockets and Harden. Woj first reported the talks between the Rockets and Harden prior to the press release.
Harden's progressing toward adding four years onto Houston current deal, an extension that could guarantee him $228M through 2022-23 season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 8, 2017
ESPN cap expert Bobby Marks also explained the details of what a James Harden extension would look like. Harden would join Steph Curry as the only supermax players in the league.
A James Harden four-year extension would start in 2019-20 at a salary of $37.8M, $40.8M, $43.8M and $46.8M. https://t.co/zq5eLKrube
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 8, 2017
Harden, 27, still has two years remaining on his current deal before a player option would kick in during the 2019-2020 season. Daryl Morey and the rest of the Houston front office obviously wanted to be proactive to keep the beard in Houston for the long haul.
The Houston Rockets released a press release to announce the Harden contract extension:
"“It’s my pleasure to announce we’ve reached agreement with James Harden on a long term contract extension. Since he arrived in Houston, James has exhibited the incredible work ethic, desire to win, and passion to be the best that has made him one of the most unique and talented superstars in the history of the game,” said Alexander. “Additionally, the commitment he has shown to our organization, the City of Houston, and Rockets fans all over the world makes him a perfect leader in our pursuit of another championship. I’m very happy for James, his mother Monja, and their family on this exciting day.”“Houston is home for me,” said Harden. “Mr. Alexander has shown he is fully committed to winning and my teammates and I are going to keep putting in the work to get better and compete for the title.”"
With Chris Paul also in town, the new look Rockets appear to be contenders in a loaded Western Conference. Although James Harden just signed a contract extension last summer, the Rockets will use a Designated Veteran Exception grandfathered in under the old CBA to get the new Harden deal done. Harden is now responsible for the richest contract extension in NBA history. The better news for Harden is Texas has a zero percent income tax. Congratulations to James Harden on the new deal!