Last Updated on December 27, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

James Harden, a distinguished NBA guard, has secured several substantial contracts throughout his career, reflecting his status as one of the league’s premier players. Here’s a detailed overview of his contract history:

1. Rookie Contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2009-2012):

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Total Value: $17,835,366
  • Average Annual Salary: $4,458,842
  • Guaranteed at Signing: $8,308,680
  • Details: Selected third overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, Harden began his professional career with this rookie-scale contract.

2. Designated Rookie Extension with the Houston Rockets (2013-2017):

  • Duration: 5 years
  • Total Value: $78,782,188
  • Average Annual Salary: $15,756,438
  • Guaranteed at Signing: $78,782,188
  • Details: After being traded to the Rockets in 2012, Harden signed this extension, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the franchise.

3. Maximum Veteran Extension with the Houston Rockets (2016-2019):

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Total Value: $117,964,846
  • Average Annual Salary: $29,491,212
  • Guaranteed at Signing: $117,964,846
  • Details: Harden’s performance earned him this significant extension, reinforcing his role as a leading player in the league.

4. Designated Veteran Extension (“Supermax”) with the Houston Rockets (2019-2022):

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Total Value: $171,131,520
  • Average Annual Salary: $42,782,880
  • Guaranteed at Signing: $171,131,520
  • Details: In July 2017, Harden signed this extension, which, combined with his existing contract, amounted to a six-year deal worth $228 million—the richest in NBA history at that time.

5. Contract with the Philadelphia 76ers (2022-2023):

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Total Value: $68,640,000
  • Average Annual Salary: $34,320,000
  • Guaranteed at Signing: $68,640,000
  • Details: Harden declined his $47.4 million player option to sign this new deal, providing the 76ers with financial flexibility.

6. Contract with the Los Angeles Clippers (2024-2026):

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Total Value: $70,000,000
  • Average Annual Salary: $35,000,000
  • Details: In June 2024, Harden signed a two-year deal with the Clippers, including a player option for the second year, aiming to further his pursuit of an NBA championship.

These contracts underscore James Harden’s evolution and his significant impact on the NBA, both on and off the court.