LOS ANGELES — The Houston Rockets inked James Harden to a contract extension worth a reported $228 million on Saturday.
The Houston Chronicle reported the exact value of the deal, which will keep Harden under contract for six years, will depend on future league-wide salary cap figures.
Harden had two years, worth $59 million, left on his previous contract.
He benefitted from a provision in the new collective bargaining agreement covering extensions for superstars. He was eligible for the Designated Player Veteran Extension, which for him was worth an additional $169 million over four seasons.
“Since he arrived in Houston, James has exhibited the incredible work ethic, desire to win, and passion to be the best that has made him one of the most unique and talented superstars in the history of the game,” Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said in a statement announcing the signing.
“Additionally, the commitment he has shown to our organization, the City of Houston, and Rockets fans all over the world makes him a perfect leader in our pursuit of another championship.”
For the second time in three seasons, Harden was second in NBA Most Valuable Player voting, with the award going to Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Harden led the NBA in assists, averaging 11.2 per game. He was second in scoring, averaging 29.1 points. He had career bests in points, assists and rebounds (8.1) for a third straight campaign.
He became the only player in NBA history to get at least 2,000 points, 900 assists and 600 rebounds in the same season.
KNICKS INK HARDAWAY
Guard Tim Hardaway, Jr. is headed back to New York, signed by the Knicks on Saturday after the Atlanta Hawks opted not to match the $71 million (€62 million) the Knicks offered the restricted free agent.
“Bringing back Tim to his original NBA home is an exciting time for him and this franchise,” Knicks General Manager Steve Mills said in announcing the signing. “As a versatile wing whose game continues to improve, he will fit right into the core of players that make up a roster emphasizing youth, athleticism, accountability and unselfishness.”
The Knicks did not disclose final terms of the deal, but on Thursday they made their big four-year offer, which the Hawks had 48 hours to match if they wanted to keep the 25-year-old shooting guard.
Hardaway was the 24th pick by the Knicks in the 2013 NBA draft.
He played his first two seasons with the Knicks before being traded on draft day in 2015 to the Hawks.
Hardaway is coming off the most productive season of his four-year career, averaging 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 27.3 minutes over 79 games (30 starts) in 2016-2017.
But the Knicks’ big offer for a player they traded away surprised many, especially after the team had been inactive in free agent trading.
The move could mean the Knicks will strengthen their efforts to trade veteran star Carmelo Anthony.
The Knicks endured another disappointing season in 2016-2017, and haven’t had a winning record since 2013, when the club won their only playoff series since 2000.
Trade rumors swirled around Anthony, some fueled by comments from Phil Jackson, the NBA coaching icon who resigned as Knicks president in June.
SIXERS’ EMBIID HIT WITH FINE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA OUTBURST
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has slapped Philadelphia 76ers player Joel Embiid with a $10,000 fine for swearing on social media.
The announcement was made in a one sentence news release by league Executive Vice-President Kiki VanDeWeghe on Saturday. No details were provided.
The league said Embiid was being fined for “using inappropriate language on social media.”
In an Instagram video posted this week, Embiid can be heard saying “Fuck LaVar Ball.”
Embiid and LaVar Ball have been insulting each other since the draft in June, with Embiid angered by Ball-senior’s branding him injury prone.
After the Lakers took Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick, Embiid wrote on his Twitter account, “Please dunk on him so hard that his daddy runs on the court to save him.” — AFP
