The Clippers have traded James Harden to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland, creating intense buzz around the trade. Let's take a look at his earnings and net worth.
James Edward Harden Jr was born on August 26, 1989, in Los Angeles. He is one of the most-lauded players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in the game's history. Harden has several accolades to his name, including being named to the NBA's top 75 players. He has also won gold medals for the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
However, recently, one question has been on everyone's minds: what could possibly lead the Los Angeles Clippers to trade a player whose performance has been one for the books? Yes! You heard that right, the Clippers have traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers. So, as we dive into the reason behind the abrupt trade, let's also take a look at his net worth.
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a trade after much anticipation. The two teams have agreed that the Clippers will send former MVP, James Harden to Cleveland, while Darius Garland will head to Southern California. The news of the trade was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on February 3, 2026 (ET).
The trade will mark Harden's sixth team in his 17-year career. However, the news has left the Clippers and Harden's fans stunned. James Harden is an impeccable player with astonishing averages across the board. He averages 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds, giving the Cleveland Cavaliers another scoring option for the remainder of the regular season. For the unversed, Harden is No. 9 all-time in NBA scoring history with 28,805 points and No. 12 all-time in assists.
The deal seems to favour the Cavaliers, given that they are acquiring a combo guard in James Harden, who can play shooting guard and run the team at point guard. He's played with superstars throughout his career and has been successful, especially in the regular season. While further details are awaited, let's take a look at his net worth and how it has changed in recent years.
James Harden is one of the top all-time NBA scorers and has surpassed several of the league's best players, including Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook. He was first drafted back in 2009 and has since played in the big league for 17 seasons. Over the years, Harden has not only made a solid name for himself in the game but has also amassed a massive net worth. The NBA star is an 11-time NBA All-Star and has earned significant accolades throughout his basketball career.
James Harden's career high is 61 points and 15 rebounds, which he scored against the New York Knicks. The much-loved player's legacy is known among fans, earning him the respect of his peers, rivals and even fans of the other teams. His net worth for several seasons has always been a combination of his NBA salaries, brand endorsements, investments, and charities. So, without any further ado, let us take a quick look at his earnings.
James Harden's net worth has significantly increased over the past decade. In 2016, Forbes estimated Harden's net worth at approximately USD 33 million, and he was among the highest-paid NBA players at the time. His brand endorsements at that time included those with a multiyear deal with Adidas and Beats by Dre. By 2017, Harden's net worth had already increased significantly, reaching between USD 50 million and USD 60 million, with an average salary exceeding USD 15 million.
In 2018, James Harden received a major boost to his career when he signed a four-year contract worth USD 117 million. The increment boosted his average salary to USD 29 million. In 2019, his net worth again saw a significant shift, prompting him to partner with major brands such as Amazon, State Farm, and Trolli. Although his NBA salary during 2019-2020 had declined significantly, he was still earning USD 38 million as his salary from the league alone.
James Harden was the third overall draft pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder due to his brilliant performance as a rookie player. By 2021, the star player's net worth had already reached three figures, as he was earning in the millions. While Harden's NBA salary at that time was estimated at USD 44 million, it significantly contributed to his overall earnings. By 2022-2023, he earned significant income from major deals, including those with Adidas, which featured his own signature shoe (Harden Vol). His NBA salary that very year was around USD 35 million.
James Harden has played for 17 seasons in the big leagues, and his success has not only earned him a massive fanbase and prestige but also contributed immensely to his net worth. Over the years, he has secured major contracts with teams including the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers. His current net worth for 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth, stands at USD 165 million.
What are your thoughts on James Harden's net worth and journey in the NBA so far?
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