Free agent James Harden has agreed to a new three-year, $97 million contract to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a player option for 2028-29 and a trade kicker, agents Mike Silverman, Troy Payne and Brandon Grier of Equity Sports told ESPN on Thursday.
Harden's career earnings will now reach $511 million, making him the fourth player in NBA history to eclipse the $500 million mark, joining the Philadelphia 76ers' LeBron James, the Houston Rockets' Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry.
Harden turns 37 on Aug. 26, and when the 11-time NBA All-Star officially signs, he will become the second player in league history to sign for over $90 million in guaranteed salary at age 37 or older, with James being the other. The new contract will take Harden, who is entering Year 18, into a 20th NBA season.