James Harden signed a two-year, $70 million extension with the Los Angeles Clippers at the start of free agency. Harden signed a short-term deal with a player option in year two and below maximum contract value that gives the Clippers flexibility to continue building.

Harden forced his way out of Philadelphia at the beginning of the 2023-24 season after a public falling out with GM Daryl Morey, leading to his trade to the Clippers. He played 72 regular season games, averaging 16.6 points and 8.5 assists on a 51-win Clippers team. Harden’s team lost in six games to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the NBA playoffs, but he did lead his team in scoring.

The Clippers will have a new look next year. Steve Balmer’s multi-billion dollar new stadium opens at the start of the year as he tries to move his team out from the Los Angeles Lakers’ shadow. Harden’s role should also expand this season, with Paul George leaving the team in free agency to sign a four-year $212 million deal with the 76ers. The big three, Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook, will be the stars that open the new stadium and try to win the first championship in franchise history.

Harden has had a tumultuous career since he left the Houston Rockets five seasons ago. The former MVP played for three teams in five seasons, bouncing from team to team without finding a club that meshed with his talents. On the star-studded Clippers, he changed his game, looking to pass first instead of the isolation assassin in his younger days.

The 15-year NBA veteran has earned seven All-NBA teams and ten NBA All-Star games while making over $300 million in his career before signing this contract extension. However, his playoff resume lacks an NBA or conference finals championship.