[From ESPN]

James Harden is declining his $36.3 million player option and intends to sign a new two-year, $81.5 million contract to return to the LA Clippers, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The second year of Harden's deal has a player option and is partially guaranteed, sources said. The agreement furthers the strong partnership Harden has forged with the Clippers since he arrived. He receives a well-deserved raise while providing the team with flexibility to add talent in the present and future.

An 11-time All-Star, Harden, 35, earned All-NBA honors for the first time since 2019-20 after another stellar regular season with the Clippers in which he averaged 22.8 points and 8.7 assists.

The veteran point guard was a stalwart for an L.A. team missing Kawhi Leonard for most of the season. Harden appeared in 79 games - his most since 2016-17 -- and finished with the fifth-most minutes played in the league. He became the only player this past season with 1,500 points, 500 assists, 100 steals and 50 blocks.

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