The star of the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden is set to remain in Los Angeles. ESPN reports that the 11-time NBA All-Star is opting out of his player option and intends to sign a new two-year, $81.5 million contract with the Clippers.

The second year of this deal has a player option and comes with partial guarantees. Harden was expected to earn $36.3 million next season, but by forgoing his option and agreeing to this deal, he secures a raise for 2025-26 while also providing the team with additional flexibility.

As Harden approaches 36 in August, he has just concluded his second season with the Clippers, averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. He made history as just the second player over 35 to record 22 points and eight assists per game, following LeBron James.

Harden has played at least 72 games consecutively in two seasons for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Last season, the Clippers finished 5th in the regular season with a record of 50-32, but were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs after seven games.

Despite just scoring seven points in the Game 7 loss to the Nuggets, Harden was essential for the Clippers while Kawhi Leonard missed significant time due to a knee issue. Harden, who made his first All-Star appearance since 2022, has not advanced past the conference semifinals since 2018 as a member of the Houston Rockets.

Still, re-signing Harden was the Clippers’ “No. 1 priority” this offseason, according to president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank.