James Harden, Rockets Agree to Five-Year, $80 Million Contract Extension

by Associated Press on Wed, Oct 31, 2012 at 8:12PM

HOUSTON — James Harden has agreed to a five-year, $80 million contract with the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets acquired the reigning
Sixth Man of the Year in a stunning trade with Oklahoma City on
Saturday night. Harden is expected to start when Houston opens the
regular season in Detroit on Wednesday night.

Houston also picked up the options for forwards Marcus Morris and Patrick Patterson for the 2013-14 season.

Rockets general manager Daryl
Morey called Harden a "foundational player" at his introductory press
conference this week. He'll become the featured player in Houston after
three seasons in a supporting role behind Kevin Durant and Russell
Westbrook in Oklahoma City.

Harden averaged 16.8 points, 4.1
rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Thunder last season. He started only
seven games in three seasons with Oklahoma City but became an
indispensable reserve.