James Harden: Rockets sign All-Star to record extension.
The Beard has the richest contract in NBA history.
The Houston Rockets signed guard James Harden to a fouryear, $228 million contract extension Saturday. The extension will run through the 2022-23 season. But with Harden under contract on his existing deal for another two seasons, it will not affect Houston’s aggressive pursuit of free agents this summer as the Rockets try to make a run at the Warriors, whose Stephen Curry had the previous record deal — a five-year, $201 million pact agreed to July 1.
“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. “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.”
Harden is coming off of his finest season. Moving to point guard for new coach Mike D’Antoni, Harden averaged 29.1 points, an NBA-leading 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds and finished second in the MVP race to former Oklahoma City teammate Russell Westbrook.
Harden helped the Rockets bounce back from a massively disappointing 2015-16 season that collapsed under the weight of chemistry issues with the All-Star guard and big man Dwight Howard. With Howard gone, the Rockets put Harden at the center of everything they do on offense, and it paid off.
Houston went 55-27 in the regular season and beat Westbrook and the Thunder in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
“Houston is home for me,” Harden said. “Mr. Alexander has shown he is fully committed to winning, and my teammates and I are going to keep putting in the work to get better and compete for the title.”
ESPN first reported the contract details.
Harden seemed to run out of gas a bit in the Rockets’ West semifinals loss to San Antonio, and general manager Daryl Morey has worked quickly to get him some help this summer.
Morey traded for All-Star point guard Chris Paul and signed forward P.J. Tucker to boost the defense, bringing center Nene back as well. Crawford to Wolves: A person with knowledge of the situation tells the Associated Press that guard Jamal Crawford agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Timberwolves.
The cap-strapped Wolves only had the room exception left to use for the deal, worth about $4.2 million for the upcoming season. The person spoke anonymously because Crawford must clear waivers first.
Crawford, 37, averaged 12.3 points in 82 games for the Clippers last season. Briefly: The Washington Post reported that the Wizards matched the Nets’ four-year, $106.5 million offer to forward Otto Porter . ... The Knicks signed free-agent guard Tim Hardaway Jr. away from the Hawks, giving him a four-year, $71 million contract . ... Ivan Rabb, the 6-foot-10 forward taken in the second round out of Cal, will miss three Grizzlies’ Summer League games as he recovers from a sprained ankle. ... 76ers center Joel Embiid was fined $10,000 by the NBA for directing an obscenity at LaVar Ball, father of Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball, on social media.