Free agent James Harden agreed to a new three-year, $97 million contract to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a player option for 2028-29 and a trade kicker, agents Mike Silverman, Troy Payne and Brandon Grier of Equity Sports told ESPN on Thursday.
Currently, just two players in NBA history have eclipsed the $500 million mark in career earnings: Philadelphia‘s LeBron James and Houston‘s Kevin Durant. Harden sits at $414 million and would join the exclusive club after completing this new deal.
Golden State‘s Stephen Curry will join the distinguished club after earning his $62.5 million salary this season, while Boston‘s Paul George can achieve the milestone after the 2027-28 season, and the 76ers’ Joel Embiid can surpass the mark in the final year of his contract in 2028-29.
Harden turns 37 on Aug. 26, and when the 11-time NBA All-Star signs, he will become the second player in league history to sign for over $90 million in guaranteed salary at age 37 or older, with James being the other. The new contract will take Harden, who is entering Year 18, into a 20th NBA season.
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