Shams: Harden will reject player option and re-sign a 2-year $81.5 million contract with the Clippers

ESPN famous reporter Shams revealed that Harden will reject the player option and re-sign a two-year contract worth $81.5 million with the Clippers.

Shams also added that the second year contract contains player options and some guarantee terms. The deal further consolidates the strong partnership Harden has established with the team since joining the Clippers. He received a well-deserved raise, while also providing the team with the flexibility to replenish talents now and in the future.

This season's regular season, Harden played 79 games in the regular season, averaging 35.3 minutes of playing time, and was able to score 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.5 steals. His three shooting percentages were 41%/35.2%/87.4%, and he returned to the All-Star after two years.

In the first round of the playoffs, Harden played 7 games, averaging 18.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.3 steals, 1 block, and 3 turnovers in 39.3 minutes. The shooting percentages of the three events were 43.6%, 36.4%, and 81.8%.