James Harden is staying home.

The Los Angeles native has opted to re-sign with his hometown Clippers on a new two-year, $70-million deal, The Athletic‘s Shams Charania reported Sunday.

When Harden landed in L.A. via trade just days into the 2023-24 season, it was his third team in three seasons. He settled well into his role as the Clippers’ floor general alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, averaging 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 8.5 assists through 72 games.

And although the addition of Harden didn’t result in a long post-season run for the Clippers — eliminated by the eventual Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks in the first round — the 10-time All-Star raised his game in the 2024 playoffs, averaging 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists through six games.

The 34-year-old had requested a trade out of Brooklyn in 2022 — breaking up the trio of himself, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant — before spending one year with Philadelphia and then asking out again after not getting a long-term deal.

In what could potentially be his final contract before calling it quits, Harden has chosen to stay put and run it back in his hometown. He and Leonard will headline the Clippers’ move into a new arena in Inglewood, Cali. next season.

After weeks of speculation and negotiation, James Harden has officially signed a two-year, $70 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers. The star shooting guard had been a free agent after his previous contract expired at the end of last season, but ultimately decided to re-sign with the team that he has called home for the past few years.

Harden’s decision to stay with the Clippers comes as a relief to fans who were worried about losing one of their key players. The 32-year-old has been a crucial part of the team’s success in recent years, averaging over 25 points per game and providing leadership both on and off the court.

The new deal will see Harden earn an average of $35 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. While some may question the hefty price tag, there is no denying Harden’s talent and impact on the team’s performance.

In a statement released by the Clippers, Harden expressed his excitement about returning to the team and his commitment to helping them compete for a championship. He also thanked the organization and fans for their support throughout his career.

With Harden locked in for the next two years, the Clippers can now focus on building a strong roster around him to make a serious run at a title. The team has already made some key moves in the offseason, including signing veteran point guard Chris Paul to provide additional playmaking and leadership.

Overall, Harden’s decision to re-sign with the Clippers is a positive development for the team and its fans. His scoring ability, leadership, and experience will be invaluable as they look to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.