James Harden returning to Clippers on $70 million deal in NBA free agency

James Harden and the Clippers will try to run it back — and make it deeper into the postseason this season.

The star guard, traded to Los Angeles ahead of last season following an ugly ending with the 76ers, will reportedly ink a two-year deal worth $70 million — with a player option for the second year — to return to the Clippers, according to The Athletic.

Harden, 34, is in dire need of a championship ring before his time in the league comes to an end.

The Clippers acquired Harden for the 2023-24 season following a trade request in August, which resulted from the 76ers playoff loss in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Celtics.

Multiple reports claimed that Haden complained about not receiving enough credit with the 76ers, and that under former coach Doc Rivers, the 76ers didn’t run a playstyle that suited his ball-dominant, freelance approach.

That led to Harden getting another fresh start with the Clippers, but after averaging 16.6 points during the regular season, the No. 4 seeded Clippers were knocked out by the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.

Over his 15 years in the league, Harden has garnered a reputation as someone who has bounced around to try and find the right situation.

Follow all the latest updates on NBA free agency, including signings, trades and rumors.

Harden started his career with the Thunder but was dissatisfied with the contract he was offered after three years. 

He then played eight seasons with the Rockets before forcing his way out of Houston, where he told multiple outlets he wanted the chance to win at the highest level.

His two-year run with the Nets alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving was much of the same.

He left because things were heading in a bad direction for the organization.

Now, Harden hopes that extending his stint with the Clippers will bring his dream of winning a ring to fruition.