James Harden, one of the best available players, moved quickly to resign with the Los Angeles Clippers at the start of NBA free agency, according to reports.
The guard is re-upping in Los Angeles for two-years, $70 million, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Harden averaged 16.6 points, 8.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds in his first year with L.A. after a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.
The quick signing comes after nine-time NBA All-Star forward Paul George opted out of his deal with L.A. on Saturday night with plans to speak to the Clippers, 76ers and Orlando Magic.
Things were slow to develop elsewhere in the league, but notable developments occurred regarding the Golden State Warrior’s future.
Sharpshooter Klay Thompson is reportedly having “discussions” with the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and the Clippers and could join one of those teams via a sign-and-trade, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Thompson’s father Mychal played parts of five seasons with the Lakers from 1987-1991.
Minutes before the free agency signing period opened, Wojnarowski also reported that the Warriors would waive point guard Chris Paul, making the future Hall of Famer a free agent for the first time in his career.
Within a matter of hours, Paul, 39, had agreed to join the San Antonio Spurs on a one-year, $11 million deal that was first reported by Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.
Two-time NBA champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope became the first big domino to change teams. USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt reported the swingman signed a three-year deal with the Magic after two seasons in Denver. It’s reportedly worth $66 overall.
Journeyman rebound machine Andre Drummond signed a two-year, $10 million contract to backup Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. Drummond spent part of the 2021-22 season with the 76ers.
Fellow big man Jonas Valanciunas reached a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards, Wojnarowski reported Sunday night.