Clippers agree to two-year deal with All-Star guard

Free-agent guard James Harden will be remaining with the Clippers, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports (via X) that the former MVP is signing a new two-year, $70M contract with the club. The second season will be a player option, sources tell Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports (X link).

Harden was acquired in November after a messy dispute with Sixers president of basketball operation Daryl Morey over what Harden considered to be broken promises in contract negotiations. Harden publicly insulted Morey and disrupted training camp in an effort to force his way out of Philadelphia.

Harden was initially an awkward fit alongside Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook, but the four All-Stars eventually worked things out and the Clippers claimed the fourth seed in the West with a 51-31 record. Harden took over as the starting point guard and contributed 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 8.5 rebounds in 72 games.

The player option means Harden will get another chance to test the free agent market next summer when he may be better positioned to get a long-term deal.