NBA free agency: James Harden reportedly agreed to $70 million deal to stay with Clippers

James Harden remains with the Clippers.

The 10-time All-Star and former league MVP has agreed to a two-year, $70 million deal to stay in Los Angeles, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports. The contract will include a player option in the second seasonaccording to the report.

News of Harden’s trade came Sunday just hours before the Clippers announced Paul George’s departure as a free agent. It’s unclear exactly where he’ll land, but George told the Clippers he won’t be returning to the team after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a new contract. The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly the favorites to land the nine-time All-Star forward.

Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook also appears to be headed to another team. Shortly after free agency negotiations opened Sunday, sources told Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer that the Clippers were working on finding a trade partner for the veteran point guard.

What role will Harden play with the Clippers next season?

At 34, Harden is not the same player who won three scoring titles and an MVP in his prime. He took on an unfamiliar role with the Clippers last season as the third-leading scorer behind Leonard and George.

His 16.6 points per game are his lowest average since he was a backup in Oklahoma City behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in 2011-12. It’s the first time this season that he’s averaged below 20 points per game.

He led the Clippers with 8.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. His 4.8 free throw attempts per game were the third lowest of his career.

Harden also had his best season in years. He played in 72 games for the Clippers, the first time he played in more than 68 games since the 2018-19 season.

With Harden joining the Clippers as the third member of their Big Three, Los Angeles finished in fourth place in the West at 51-31. With Leonard hobbled and out for four games, the Clippers suffered a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the eventual Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks.

Harden is still capable of scoring points when needed. He improved his scoring by averaging 21.2 points, eight assists and 4.5 rebounds per game with Leonard sidelined for most of this series. He scored 33 in a Game 4 road win over the Mavericks.

Harden’s individual record is complete. But he’s still chasing his first NBA title as he approaches his 16th season.