Rockets sign guard Harden to ‘supermax’ contract extension

James Harden became a star in Houston, and now he’s ready to call the city home.

Harden signed a four-year, “supermax” extension Saturday, that guarantees Harden about $228 million over the next six seasons and makes it the richest contract in league history.

The extension alone tacks another $170 million or so — depending on how the salary cap escalates — on to a contract that still had two more years and nearly $60 million remaining. It’s a mammoth deal befitting one of the league’s brightest stars.

“Since he arrived in Houston, James has exhibited the incredible work ethic, desire to win, and passion to be the best that has made him one of the most unique and talented superstars in the history of the game,” Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said in a statement issued by the team. “Additionally, the commitment he has shown to our organization, the city of Houston, and Rockets fans all over the world makes him a perfect leader in our pursuit of another championship.”

The deal keeps Harden under contract through the 2022-23 season, a lifetime in the modern NBA financial landscape in which so many superstars take short-term deals to maximize their earning potential. While anything can happen, this is about as much security as a player can get.

■ Heat: Former Miami star Chris Bosh published an open letter to thank the city for the past seven years, writing he “learned how to dream again.” Five days after his career in Miami officially ended, Bosh published a “Letter to Miami” essay on his website and took out a full-page advertisement in Sunday’s Miami Herald. The “from the desk of Chris Bosh” essay opened, “Wow, what a ride!” and went on to detail the impact of the seven years with the Heat and the experience it had on his family.

■ Raptors: Toronto traded forward

Demarre Carroll and a future first- and second-round picks to Brooklyn for Justin Hamilton. They also landed C.J. Miles in a signand-trade with Indiana for Cory Joseph.