Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst of ESPN have reported that the Houston Rockets and James Harden have agreed to an extension that will guarantee him the most money in NBA history. The contract is worth $170 million for four years and will guarantee Harden $228 million through the 2022-2023 season.
Fast tracked extension
The Rockets wanted to get a move on a contract extension for Harden after the acquisition of Chris Paul via trade. Harden took advantage of the new CBA rules that allow superstars to get extensions. Harden was the runner-up in this past season's MVP voting by averaging 29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and a league best 11.2.
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Harden said in a statement that he believe Houston is home to him. He believes that the upper management will do anything in their power to provide Harden the talent for Houston to compete for a title. The Rockets have not only traded for Paul this offseason, but have signed Nene to a restructured contract. They have also signed PJ Tucker to a four-year deal worth $32 million. Harden was instrumental in bringing Paul to Houston, while Paul convinced Tucker to play for the Rockets.
All eyes on Carmelo
With Chris Paul on their team, and Harden locked up for the next six years, the Rockets will turn their attention to bringing in Carmelo Anthony. The 34 year old superstar has stated that he would waive his no-trade clause for the Cleveland Cavaliers or Houston Rockets.
Anthony is close friends with Cavaliers star Lebron James and Paul who is on the Rockets.
There have been rumors that the Rockets and Knicks have been in contact with the Portland Trail Blazers about being the third team to make a trade happen. The Rockets will require a third team due to salary cap room. There have been talks of Houston receiving Anthony while shipping Ryan Anderson's contract to Portland.
The Knicks would receive Maurice Harkless and Meyers Leonard with a few draft picks.
Second $200 million man
Harden joins Steph Curry as the second player to be known to earn at least $200 million or more in their contract signings. There have been NBA players that have made a lot of money, but Curry and Harden will make that amount with their current contracts they have right now.
Curry re-signed with the Golden State Warriors for five-years and $205 million. It's only fitting that Curry and Harden are both $200 million men as those two will be fighting each other for the western conference crown.
