A day after forward Paul George declined a $48.7 million option with the LA Clippers, the franchise is expected to agree to a deal with 10-time All-Star James Harden.
Harden plans to return to the Clippers on a two-year, $70 million contract, league sources told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk on Sunday.
With George planning meetings with the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers as well as the Clippers, it was imperative that LA got Harden to return alongside Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers are moving into a new arena at the start of the season in October and hope to bring back several former All-Stars to kick off the team's tenure in Inglewood, California.
After being traded to LA from Philadelphia early last season, Harden averaged 16.6 points and 8.5 assists. He helped lead the Clippers to the playoffs, where they were eliminated in the first round by the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks.
ESPN Insider Kevin Pelton breaks down the contract and hands out a grade on the deal.