James Harden to Be Offered Contract Extension by Rockets

One year after signing a four-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets, James Harden will reportedly receive a new offer from the team to ensure his long-term future with the franchise. 

On Tuesday, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported the Rockets "intend to offer Harden a contract extension long before he could hit free agency."       

One person with knowledge of the situation told Feigen that Houston's plan is to "extend [Harden] at the first opportunity."

Harden's recent extension with the Rockets was for $118 million over four years, and it also included a 2019 player option, per Spotrac. 

A five-time All-Star, Harden increased his negotiating leverage with the Rockets after his performance during the 2016-17 season. The 27-year-old set career highs with 29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 11.2 assists per game, and he was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA first team. 

Harden is one of three finalists for the NBA MVP award—which will be announced Monday—along with Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs.

The Rockets went 55-27 last season before losing in six games to the Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals.