Rockets Sign James Harden To Record $228M Contract Extension

The Rockets yesterday signed G James Harden to the "richest contract extension in NBA history." Harden signed a "full designated player veteran extension," which tacks "four seasons on to the two remaining from his extension last summer in a contract worth" roughly $228M. Depending on future salary-cap figures, Harden "could be paid" close to $47M in the final season of his contract in '22-23. The $42.5M "per season he will earn when the extension kicks in will surpass" the five-year, $201M extension Warriors G Stephen Curry signed last week (CHRON.com, 7/9).

With the deal, The Rockets have "kept their best piece to draw more star power in place" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 7/9). Harden is "taking advantage of brand-new CBA rules that enable contract extensions for superstars." He "became eligible to add four years to his deal after making the All-NBA team in May" (ESPN.com, 7/8).