Report: James Harden Signs Massive Four-Year, $228M Contract Extension With Houston Rockets

NBA star guard James Harden inked a huge deal Saturday with the Houston Rockets. He reportedly agreed to the biggest contract in NBA history — a four-year $228 million extension through the 2022- 23 season.

ESPN first reported the specifics of Harden’s deal. The contract is a super maximum extension, the most money any player has ever received. Harden was named first team All-NBA which made him able to ink the record-breaking "supermax" extension. Following the deal, Harden released a statement Saturday about his contract. He thanked Rockets owner Leslie Alexander for the record-breaking deal.

READ: LaVar Ball Explains Why Big Baller Brand Sneakers Are So Expensive

"Houston is home for me," Harden said. "Mr. Alexander has shown he is fully committed to winning and my teammates and I are going to keep putting in the work to get better and compete for the title."

CONGRATS!!!! To hell with the ball, lemme hold some _ pic.twitter.com/i4M1iVzCID

— Chris Paul (@CP3) July 8, 2017

The Rockets have made the playoffs all five years with Harden on the team, with an impressive winning percentage of .612. He is coming off his best season yet. The Rockets star averaged 29.1 points, 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds. He finished second in the MVP competition to his former teammate Russell Westbrook. Harden’s impressive season lifted the Rockets to 55 wins and a trip to the Western Conference semifinals.

During the 2016-17 NBA season, Harden recorded 2,356 points, 907 assists, and 659 rebounds. He was the first player in NBA history to notch 2,000 points, 900 assists, and 600 rebounds in a season. Harden and Oscar Robertson are only players in NBA history who have averaged 29.0 points, 11.0 assists and 8.0 rebounds in one season.

Rockets owner Alexander released a statement about the deal.

"It's my pleasure to announce we've reached agreement with James Harden on a long term contract extension. Since he arrived in Houston, James has exhibited the incredible work ethic, desire to win, and passion to be the best that has made him one of the most unique and talented superstars in the history of the game," he said.

READ: Twitter Reacts To Nick Young Signing With The Golden State Warriors

He added, "Additionally, the commitment he has shown to our organization, the city of Houston, and Rockets fans all over the world makes him a perfect leader in our pursuit of another championship."

The contract extension Alexander and the Rockets gave Harden trumped Golden State point guard Stephen Curry’s five-year $201 million deal. According to CBS Sports, Harden’s extension exceeded his contract by $30 million.

Alexander and Rockets general manager Daryl Morey strengthened the team this offseason when they traded for All-Star point guard Chris Paul. Morey also signed forward P.J. Tucker and brought back center Nene. The additions came after the Rockets failed to get out of the Western Conference semifinals in the playoffs this season. They seemed to be overwhelmed by a San Antonio Spurs team who beat them 4-2. ESPN reported that the Rockets are looking to complete a trade with New York Knicks to land All-star forward Carmelo Anthony.