NBA: James Harden Renews for Three Seasons, Joins '$500 Million Club'

James Harden has secured his future with the Cavaliers, signing a new three-year, $97 million (€83.41 million) contract. This deal elevates him to an elite financial tier in NBA history, placing him in the exclusive $500 million (€429.97 million) club, a group that includes only four players.

The point guard, who turns 37 on the 26th, is renowned for his talent, which has translated into significant financial gains throughout his career. With this new agreement, he joins legends LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry as the only players to reach such a salary milestone.

The Beard's new contract is set to pay him an average annual value of approximately $32.3 million (€27.77 million). Notably, this represents his lowest nominal salary since he signed a maximum extension with the Rockets prior to the 2016 season. The agreement also includes a player option after the 2027/28 season, offering him greater flexibility for the future.

The 2017/18 MVP, playing for both the Clippers and Cavaliers last regular season, averaged 23.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in 70 games. While these numbers are below his career highs of 36.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 11.2 assists, concerns persist regarding his performance, particularly in the playoffs. In the 2025/26 postseason, his averages dipped to 19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 turnovers, with a 41 percent field goal percentage across 18 games.

This new contract places Harden alongside LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry as the highest earners in terms of salary. Interestingly, all of them are still active players. With the exception of LeBron, who has already signed with the 76ers and accepted a significant pay cut, Durant and Curry still have the potential for at least one more contract. All have been named MVP of the Year, with James Harden being the only one among them yet to win a championship.

In 2024, LeBron James, currently 41, was the first to surpass the $500 million mark in contractual earnings. His career earnings exceed $581 million (€499.622 million), and upon completing his deal with the 76ers, he is projected to reach approximately $590 million (€507.36 million).

According to Sportico, James was the NBA's highest-paid player for 11 consecutive seasons, only being surpassed by Curry in 2023/24. The majority of his wealth stems from endorsements and business ventures, with total earnings estimated at $1.7 billion (€1.462 billion).

As for Kevin Durant, 38, he is set to join this exclusive club in the 2025/26 season, earning $53.2 million (€45.749 million) in his first year with the Rockets. His two-year contract extension takes effect this season, and he is projected to receive nearly $44 million (€37.84 million) in 2026/27.

Stephen Curry's formal entry into the club is anticipated at the start of the 2026/27 season, which kicks off on October 20th. In that season, he is expected to earn just over $62 million (€53.32 million), placing him in a high salary bracket at 38 years old.