James Harden Joins LeBron James, Steph Curry, KD in Elite NBA Earnings Club After $97M Cavs Contract

James Harden is on track to become the fourth player in NBA history to make more than half a billion dollars in career earnings.

Harden has agreed to a three-year, $97 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

That brings Harden's career earnings to a total of $511 million, per Charania.

Here's a look at where Harden ranks among the highest-earning players in NBA history, courtesy of Spotrac.

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Highest NBA Career Earnings

1. LeBron James, $585 million
2. Kevin Durant, $545 million
3. Stephen Curry, $532 million
4. James Harden, $511 million

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Harden's new contract with the Cavs includes a player option and a trade kicker, Charania reported.

The news comes shortly after the Cavaliers completed a five-team sign-and-trade deal to bring in Peyton Watson.

The Cavs had about $22.9 million in first apron space before signing Harden, per Spotrac.

How his contract is constructed could impact whether the team exceeds the first apron this season. His $32 million average annual salary means the Cavs will remain below the second apron.

Harden spent most of the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, most recently re-signing with the club last offseason on a two-year, $81.5 million deal with a player option.

He was traded to the Cavaliers in February before declining that $42.3 million player option in June.

Harden will turn 37 later this month. He's on track to join James as the second player in NBA history to sign a deal with more than $90 million in guaranteed money at that age or older, according to Charania.

His agent discussed both two- and three-year contracts with the Cavaliers before finalizing the three-year deal, Charania reported.

Harden ranked No. 46 among the world's highest-paid athletes last year by Forbes.

According to Forbes, Harden earned $39.6 million in salary last season while receiving $16 million in off-court earnings in part thanks to partnerships with brands like Adidas.

Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 26 regular-season games with the Cavs before averaging 19.2 points through 18 playoff contests during the team's run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Cavaliers will now hope their investment in retaining Harden will help this team go on an even deeper playoff run in 2027.