James Harden is reportedly set to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a new two-year, $81.5million deal.

According to ESPN, the 11-time All-Star will turn down his $36.3m player option and instead sign a new contract that further strengthens his ties to the team.

Harden, now 35, is a former NBA MVP who joined the Clippers after a messy and public divorce from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023. 

Last season, he made the All-Star team for the first time since 2022 after becoming the only NBA player to amᴀss 1,500 points, 500 ᴀssists, 100 steals and 50 blocks.

The veteran point guard appeared in 79 games and helped the Clippers reach the playoffs as a No 5 seed.

Across Los Angles, meanwhile, Lakers legend LeBron James has officially opted into his $52.6million player option for the upcoming NBA season. 

James Harden is reportedly set to sign with the Clippers on a new two-year, $81.5million deal

Last year, he was the only player to amᴀss 1,500 points, 500 ᴀssists, 100 steals and 50 blocks

It means the 40-year-old has put back retirement for at least another year. James will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026 season, when he will be 41. 

James opting in leaves the Lakers with under $6million to spend on free agents and other moves this offseason, per ESPN. 

Klutch Sport CEO Rich Paul, James’ agent told the outlet that LeBron ‘knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. 

‘We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with [controlling owner] Jeanie [Buss] and [general manager] Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.’

Earlier on Sunday, it also emerged that Julius Randle is staying in Minnesota and will sign a huge new three-year, $100million contract with the Timberwolves.