May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) looks on in the third quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
The veteran guard is now among just four players in NBA history to eclipse $500 million in career earnings. His new three-year, $97 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers pushed his career earnings past the milestone.
MORE: James Harden contract talks with Cavaliers nearing resolution, NBA insider says
Harden joins LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry in the half-a-billion earners club.
The only players in NBA history to eclipse $500 million in career earnings 😮💰 pic.twitter.com/IK80c6ga5B
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 20, 2026
The No. 3 pick of the 2009 draft is one of the league’s all-time assist leaders and averaged 8.0 assists per game last season. His ability to score and create offense has defined his career. The new contract keeps the 11-time All-Star’s career going in Cleveland. The deal also includes a player option for 2028-29 and a trade kicker.
Harden has already built a Hall of Fame resume. He adds another number to that page, $500 million to be exact.
James Harden’s career summary
NBA: Playoffs-Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) reacts during the second quarter of game two of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Harden has built arguably one of the most productive careers of his generation. The numbers tell the story.
He has played 1,221 regular-season games across 17 NBA seasons. Harden averages 24.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists. His scoring remains elite.
The 36-year-old has averaged at least 20 points in 14 of his 17 seasons. He owns a career 43.9% field-goal percentage and shoots 36.4 percent from three-point range. Harden also remains an outstanding free-throw shooter, converting 86.3 percent of his career attempts..
He has produced some of the best passing seasons in NBA history. Harden led the league in assists during the 2016-17 and 2022-23 campaigns.
The 2017-18 season stands among his greatest seasons. Harden averaged 30.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists, earning him his lone NBA MVP award.