{"id":147812,"date":"2025-06-29T18:50:56","date_gmt":"2025-06-29T22:50:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=147812"},"modified":"2025-06-29T18:54:05","modified_gmt":"2025-06-29T22:54:05","slug":"james-hardens-81-5-million-extension-gives-clippers-major-boost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/06\/29\/james-hardens-81-5-million-extension-gives-clippers-major-boost\/","title":{"rendered":"James Harden\u2019s $81.5 Million Extension Gives Clippers Major Boost"},"content":{"rendered":"

LOS ANGELES \u2013<\/strong> James Harden<\/a> is staying home \u2014 and doing the Los Angeles Clippers<\/a> a major favor in the process. The 11-time All-Star will decline his player option and sign a fresh two-year, $81.5 million deal with the Clippers, ESPN reports. The second year of this extension includes a player option and partial guarantee, giving both sides room to adjust if needed. James Harden\u2019s extension aligns perfectly with the Clippers’ future. Harden\u2019s decision frees up extra maneuvering space while giving him a well-earned raise. \u201cHe\u2019s our No. 1 priority. We\u2019re super hopeful that James is here, and he\u2019s here for a long time,\u201d Clippers president Lawrence Frank said<\/a> this week.<\/p>\n

James Harden\u2019s $81.5 Million Deal Gives Clippers Major Offseason Boost<\/h2>\n

Why Harden\u2019s Extension Matters<\/h3>\n
\"The
Nov 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) shoots as LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) defends during the second half of an NBA Cup game at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By declining his $36.4 million option and inking this extension with the Clippers, James Harden preserves the team\u2019s flexibility. They now have about $14.4 million in luxury tax space and over $22 million under the first apron, according to salary cap analyst Yossi Gozlan.<\/p>\n

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Los Angeles Clippers salary cap and apron situation with James Harden re-signing and Nicolas Batum opting out.<\/p>\n

They have enough flexibility to use the full $14.1 million mid-level and re-sign Batum.<\/p>\n

They could gain additional $4.8 million in flexibility by waiving Drew Eubanks. pic.twitter.com\/epiQZ66pnJ<\/a><\/p>\n

— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 29, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n