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Harden extension is richest ever
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THE Houston Rockets inked James Harden to a contract extension worth a reported US$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 US$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 US$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 on 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 Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook.
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.
Meanwhile, No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz needed to be helped off the court with an injury to his left ankle in the Philadelphia 76ers’ summer league game on Saturday night against Golden State.
Fultz appeared to roll his ankle in the second half and was helped to the locker room by two teammates. Sixers summer league coach Lloyd Pierce said Fultz has been diagnosed with a sprained left ankle and “will be treated accordingly”.
There is no timetable for his return to action. “We’ll be as cautious as we can, making sure he’s healthy,” Pierce said.
It was the last thing the Sixers wanted to see just when they appeared to be ready to put years of misery behind them. They have dealt with significant injuries to center Joel Embiid and last year’s No. 1 pick, Ben Simmons, over the last three years. “Oh no no no,” Embiid tweeted, “don’t do this to us.”
Fultz, who signed his contract earlier in the day, was taken for X-rays.
The 76ers pulled off a trade with Boston before the draft in June to move up from No. 3 to No. 1 to take Fultz, the dynamic scoring point guard that GM Bryan Colangelo felt was the perfect piece to put with Simmons and Embiid.
The Sixers also added veterans JJ Redick and Amir Johnson to supplement the young core and appeared poised to get rolling in the Eastern Conference.
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