History of James Harden in Timeline
James Harden is a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers, considered one of the best shooting guards in NBA history. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Harden has won two gold medals representing the United States national team at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
1959: Wilt Chamberlain's Debut Record
In 1959, Wilt Chamberlain set a record for points in his first two games with a team, which James Harden later surpassed in 2012.
December 1967: Oscar Robertson's Record
In December 1967, Oscar Robertson was the last player before James Harden in March 2016 to record at least 450 points, 150 assists, and 100 rebounds in a single month.
March 1968: Chamberlain's Stats
In March 1968, Wilt Chamberlain had 53 points, 32 rebounds, and 14 assists for Philadelphia, marking a historical performance. On January 20, James Harden joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to get over 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists in a game.
1977: Artis Gilmore's Turnover Record
During the 2015-16 season, James Harden surpassed Artis Gilmore's 366 turnovers from the 1977-78 season, setting a new NBA record with 374 turnovers.
1977: Individual Turnovers Tracked
In 1977, individual turnovers were first tracked during the 1977–78 season. On March 1, James Harden became the first player in league history to post a 30–15–10 stat line with zero turnovers in a game.
1979: Player of the Month Award Inception
In 1979, since the award's inception in 1979–80, James Harden became the first player in league history to earn Player of the Month honors in each of his first two full months with a new team in April 1.
1981: Moses Malone's Free Throw Record
During the 1981-82 season, Moses Malone set a Houston Rockets team record for free throws made in a season (630), which James Harden later surpassed.
1981: Moses Malone's Scoring Streak
In November 2015, James Harden matched Moses Malone's record from the 1981-82 season of consecutive 43-plus point games.
1981: Gervin and Moore Lead NBA
In the 1981–82 season, George Gervin and Johnny Moore led the NBA in scoring and assists. On April 9, James Harden joined Joel Embiid as the first pair of teammates to lead the NBA in scoring and assists since Gervin and Moore in 1981.
August 26, 1989: James Harden Born
On August 26, 1989, James Edward Harden Jr. was born. He is now a professional basketball player.
1990: Tim Hardaway's Opener Performance
In 1990, Tim Hardaway of the Golden State Warriors recorded 32 points and 18 assists in a season opener, a feat that James Harden nearly matched in 2016.
February 1991: Sleepy Floyd's Free Throw Record
In February 1991, Sleepy Floyd made 22 free throws in a single game, tying a Rockets single-game record which James Harden matched in December 2013.
1992: Hakeem Olajuwon's Player of the Week Honors
During the 1992-93 season, Hakeem Olajuwon was one of the few Rockets players to capture Player of the Week honors three or more times in one season, a feat Harden also achieved.
1994: Rockets Win First Division Title Since 1994
In April 2015, James Harden helped the Rockets win their first division title since 1994, clinching the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
May 1999: Michael Dickerson's Record
In May 1999, Houston guard Michael Dickerson made eight straight 3-point shots, setting a record for rookies that James Harden later approached.
2000: Jerry Stackhouse's Free Throw and 3-Pointer Season
In the 2000-01 season, Jerry Stackhouse was one of the few players in NBA history to record at least 600 free throws made and hit 150 or more 3-pointers in one season, a feat Harden also achieved.
2003: Nets in First Place
In March, Harden's franchise-record six triple-doubles of the month carried the Nets into first place in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2003.
2004: Tracy McGrady's Player of the Week Honors
During the 2004-05 season, Tracy McGrady was one of the few Rockets players to capture Player of the Week honors three or more times in one season, a feat Harden also achieved.
2005: Gilbert Arenas' Free Throw and 3-Pointer Season
In the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, Gilbert Arenas was one of the few players in NBA history to record at least 600 free throws made and hit 150 or more 3-pointers in one season, a feat Harden also achieved.
2006: Gilbert Arenas' Free Throw and 3-Pointer Season
In the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, Gilbert Arenas was one of the few players in NBA history to record at least 600 free throws made and hit 150 or more 3-pointers in one season, a feat Harden also achieved.
April 2007: Vince Carter wins Player of the Month
In April 2007, Vince Carter was the last Net to win Eastern Conference Player of the Month, before Harden won the award in February.
2007: Gilbert Arenas' Free Throw and 3-Pointer Season
In the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, Gilbert Arenas was one of the few players in NBA history to record at least 600 free throws made and hit 150 or more 3-pointers in one season, a feat Harden also achieved.
November 30, 2008: Scored Career-High 40 Points
On November 30, 2008, James Harden scored a career-high 40 points in an 88-58 victory over UTEP while playing for Arizona State.
2008: Arizona State Season and NIT Selection
In 2008, during Harden's freshman year, the Arizona State Sun Devils finished tied for fifth in the Pac-10 with a 21-13 record. They were selected for the 2008 NIT field, where they defeated Alabama State and Southern Illinois before losing to Florida.
2009: Started growing beard
In 2009, James Harden started growing his trademark beard after being too lazy to shave.
2009: Named All-American and Drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder
In 2009, James Harden was named a consensus All-American and Pac-10 Player of the Year while playing college basketball for the Arizona State Sun Devils. He was later selected with the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
January 1, 2010: Beginning of Decade
On January 1, 2010, marked the beginning of the decade. By the end of this decade, James Harden became the NBA's leading scorer with 19,578 points.
March 2010: Rodrigue Beaubois Scored 40 Points
In March 2010, Dallas guard Rodrigue Beaubois was the last NBA player in a reserve role to score 40 points before James Harden matched the feat in April 2012.
2010: Scored 10+ Points in 54 Games
During the 2010-11 NBA season, James Harden scored 10 or more points in 54 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
March 6, 2011: Scored Season-High 26 Points Against Phoenix Suns
On March 6, 2011, James Harden scored a season-high 26 points against the Phoenix Suns during the 2010-11 season.
2011: Averaged 16.8 Points During Lockout-Shortened Season
During the lockout-shortened 2011-12 NBA season, James Harden averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 62 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
April 18, 2012: Scored Season-High 40 Points Against Phoenix
On April 18, 2012, James Harden scored a season-high 40 points against the Phoenix Suns, becoming the first NBA player in a reserve role to score 40 points since Rodrigue Beaubois in March 2010.
October 31, 2012: Signed Contract Extension with Rockets
On October 31, 2012, James Harden signed a five-year, $80 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets.
2012: Oklahoma City Offered Contract Extension
During the 2012 free agency period, Oklahoma City attempted to sign James Harden to a four-year contract extension worth between $52 and $55 million.
2012: Named to All-NBA Third Team
During the 2012-13 season, James Harden was named to the All-NBA Third Team, earning his first career All-NBA Team selection.
2012: Begins Averaging Over 25 Points Per Game
From the 2012–13 season to the 2019-2020 season, James Harden had season averages of over 25 points per game and is considered one of the most versatile and dangerous scorers in the NBA.
2012: Named NBA Sixth Man of the Year and Traded to Houston Rockets
In 2012, James Harden was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year and helped the Oklahoma City Thunder reach the NBA Finals. After failing to agree to a contract extension, Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets before the 2012-13 season.
2012: Trade to the Houston Rockets
In 2012, James Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets at the start of the 2012-13 NBA season.
2012: Won gold medal at the Olympics
In 2012, James Harden won a gold medal as a member of the United States national team at the Olympics.
2012: Harden Comes off the Bench
On May 12, after missing 18 games due to a strained hamstring, James Harden returned to action, coming off the bench for the first time since 2012, posting a double-double with 18 points and 11 assists.
February 2, 2013: Registered First Career Triple-Double
On February 2, 2013, James Harden recorded the first triple-double of his career against the Charlotte Bobcats, with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
February 20, 2013: Scored Career-High 46 Points Against Thunder
On February 20, 2013, James Harden scored a career-high 46 points in a 122-119 win over his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
December 26, 2013: Registered 27 Points with Two Field Goals
On December 26, 2013, James Harden became the first player in NBA history to register at least 27 points on two or fewer field goals made in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing with 22-of-25 from the free-throw line.
2013: Draft Pick Became Steven Adams and Álex Abrines
In 2013, one of the first-round picks that the Oklahoma City Thunder received in the trade for James Harden was used to draft Steven Adams, and the second-round pick was used to draft Álex Abrines.
2013: KG and Pierce on Nets
On February 2, 2024, Harden and Russell Westbrook became the third pair of 25,000-point scorers to play together in NBA history. The two joined LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony for the 2021–22 Lakers and Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce for the 2013–14 Nets.
February 5, 2014: Scored 3,000 Points in First 120 Games with Rockets
On February 5, 2014, James Harden became just the third player to score at least 3,000 points in his first 120 games played with the Houston Rockets.
February 25, 2014: Scored Season-High 43 Points Against Kings
On February 25, 2014, James Harden scored a season-high 43 points in a 129-103 win over the Sacramento Kings.
2014: Finished Second in NBA MVP Voting and Inaugural NBPA MVP
During the 2014-15 NBA season, James Harden finished second in the NBA MVP voting behind Stephen Curry. He was also voted the inaugural National Basketball Players Association's MVP for the 2014-15 season.
2014: Led NBA in free throw attempts and makes
In 2014, James Harden led the NBA in free throw attempts and makes.
2014: Won Gold Medal at FIBA World Cup
In 2014, James Harden won a gold medal as part of the United States national team at the FIBA World Cup.
2014: Won FIBA Basketball World Cup
In 2014, James Harden won the FIBA Basketball World Cup as a member of the United States national team.
2014: Draft Pick Became Mitch McGary
In 2014, one of the first-round picks that the Oklahoma City Thunder received in the trade for James Harden was used to draft Mitch McGary.
2014: Criticism and commitment to defensive improvement
In early 2014, James Harden faced increased criticism of his defense after a video titled "James Harden: Defensive Juggernaut" circulated online. During the 2014 offseason, he committed to improving his defense.
April 2015: First Rocket with Two 50-Point Games in a Season
In April 2015, James Harden became the first player in Houston Rockets franchise history to have two 50-point games in a single season.
August 3, 2015: Adidas Endorsement Deal
On August 3, 2015, Adidas offered James Harden an endorsement deal worth $200 million over the next 13 years.
November 2015: Consecutive 43-Plus Point Games and Coach Fired
In November 2015, James Harden became the first Rocket to score 43 or more points in consecutive games since Moses Malone in 1981. Also, head coach Kevin McHale was fired after the Rockets started the season with a 4-7 record.
2015: Improved defense
In 2015, James Harden's improved defense was cited as a major reason for the Houston Rockets' regular season success.
2015: Career Marks in Points, Assists, and Rebounds
James Harden finished the 2015-16 season with career highs in points (29), assists (7.5), and rebounds (6.1).
July 9, 2016: Signed Contract Extension with Rockets
On July 9, 2016, James Harden signed a four-year, $118.1 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets.
September 2016: Named Rockets Point Guard
In September 2016, new Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni announced that James Harden would take on the point guard role to begin the 2016-17 season.
2016: Withdrew from the Olympics
In 2016, James Harden was a candidate for the Olympics, but he withdrew from the team.
2016: Played at point guard
In 2016, Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni played James Harden at point guard, resulting in him averaging over 10 assists per game for the first time in his career.
December 31, 2016: Triple-Double with 53 Points
On December 31, 2016, James Harden recorded a triple-double with 53 points, 17 assists, and 16 rebounds in a win against the New York Knicks. He became the first player in NBA history to achieve a 50-15-15 stat line and tied Wilt Chamberlain for the most points in a triple-double.
July 8, 2017: Four-Year Contract Extension with Rockets
On July 8, 2017, James Harden signed a four-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets for approximately $160 million, creating a total six-year deal with $228 million guaranteed, making it the richest contract in NBA history at the time.
2018: Named NBA Most Valuable Player
In 2018, James Harden was named the NBA Most Valuable Player while playing for the Houston Rockets and leading them to the Western Conference Finals.
July 18, 2019: Part Owner of Houston Soccer Teams
On July 18, 2019, James Harden became a part owner in Houston's professional soccer teams: the Houston Dynamo of MLS and the Houston Dash of NWSL.
October 4, 2019: Apology to China
On October 4, 2019, following a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, James Harden apologized to China after the Chinese Basketball Association's suspension of its relationship with the Houston Rockets.
October 30, 2019: 59 points against the Washington Wizards
On October 30, 2019, after a disappointing start to the season, James Harden scored 59 points against the Washington Wizards, extending his streak of having a 50-point game in 6 straight seasons, the 2nd-longest streak in NBA history.
November 11, 2019: Western Conference Player of the Week
On November 11, 2019, James Harden was named the Western Conference's Player of the Week after the Rockets went 3–0. During this week, Harden recorded a double-double in each game and averaged 40.7 points.
November 30, 2019: 60-Point Game Against Atlanta Hawks
On November 30, 2019, James Harden had a season-high 60 points along with 8 assists in 31 minutes during a win against the Atlanta Hawks. It was his fourth career 60-point game.
December 11, 2019: 55-Point Game Against Cleveland Cavaliers
On December 11, 2019, James Harden scored 55 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He became the fourth player in NBA history with multiple games of 10 or more 3-pointers.
December 13, 2019: 54-Point Game Against Orlando Magic
On December 13, 2019, James Harden got his second 50-point game in a row with 54 points against the Orlando Magic. In this game, Harden became the second player in NBA history to score 10+ 3PM in consecutive games.
December 21, 2019: Passes Elgin Baylor for Most 40-Point Games
On December 21, 2019, James Harden passed Elgin Baylor for most 40-point games in NBA history with 40 points in a win against the Phoenix Suns.
2019: Begins Averaging Over 25 Points Per Game
From the 2012–13 season to the 2019-2020 season, James Harden had season averages of over 25 points per game and is considered one of the most versatile and dangerous scorers in the NBA.
2019: Led NBA in free throw attempts and makes
In 2019, James Harden led the NBA in free throw attempts and makes.
2019: First 50-Point Game Since 2019
On March 5, 2025, James Harden posted his first 50-point game since 2019 in a 123–115 win over the Detroit Pistons.
2020: Traded to the Brooklyn Nets
During the 2020-21 season, after requesting a trade, James Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a four-team deal.
2020: Begins Averaging Over 25 Points Per Game
From the 2012–13 season to the 2019-2020 season, James Harden had season averages of over 25 points per game and is considered one of the most versatile and dangerous scorers in the NBA.
2020: Requested Trade to Nets
Near the end of 2020, James Harden requested a trade to the Brooklyn Nets with the goal of forming a superteam alongside former teammate Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
January 14, 2021: Traded to Brooklyn Nets
On January 14, 2021, James Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a four-team deal involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers. The Rockets received Rodions Kurucs, Dante Exum, Victor Oladipo, four first-round draft picks, and four first-round pick swaps in return.
October 22, 2021: Passes Korver on All-Time Three-Pointers List
On October 22, 2021, James Harden moved past Kyle Korver for fourth on the all-time three-pointers made list with 20 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
2021: Named Eastern Conference All-Star Reserve
In 2021, James Harden earned his first Eastern Conference Player of the Week honor. On February 19, he became the first player in franchise history to log a double-double in eleven consecutive games. Later in February, he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for leading the Nets to four straight wins. Also, in 2021, he was named an Eastern Conference reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his ninth consecutive All-Star selection.
2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, James Harden was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, honoring him as one of the league's top 75 players.
2021: LeBron and Melo on Lakers
On February 2, 2024, Harden and Russell Westbrook became the third pair of 25,000-point scorers to play together in NBA history. The two joined LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony for the 2021–22 Lakers and Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce for the 2013–14 Nets.
January 15, 2022: Season-High Assists
On January 15, 2022, James Harden scored 27 points, had 8 rebounds and tied a season-high 15 assists in a 120–105 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
February 10, 2022: Traded to the Philadelphia 76ers
On February 10, 2022, the Nets traded James Harden and Paul Millsap to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round selections.
July 27, 2022: Re-signs with 76ers
On July 27, 2022, James Harden re-signed with the 76ers on a two-year, $68.6 million deal which includes a player option for the 2023–24 season.
2022: Traded to the Philadelphia 76ers
At the 2022 trade deadline, James Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers after playing for the Brooklyn Nets.
2022: Requested Trade from 76ers
Following the 2022–23 season, James Harden picked up his $35.6 million option to remain with the 76ers but eventually requested a trade.
November 1, 2023: Traded to the Los Angeles Clippers
On November 1, 2023, James Harden was acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers, along with P. J. Tucker and Filip Petrušev, from the 76ers in exchange for Marcus Morris Sr., Nicolas Batum, Kenyon Martin Jr., and Robert Covington. The Clippers also dealt draft picks and cash considerations as part of the trade.
2023: Led League in Assists and Traded to Clippers
In 2023, James Harden led the league in assists for the second time in his career. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the start of the 2023-24 season.
2023: Option for 2023-24 Season
On July 27, 2022, James Harden re-signed with the 76ers on a two-year, $68.6 million deal which includes a player option for the 2023–24 season.
January 26, 2024: Records 75th Career Triple-Double
On January 26, 2024, James Harden recorded his 75th career triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a 127–107 win over the Toronto Raptors.
July 10, 2024: Re-signs with Clippers
On July 10, 2024, James Harden re-signed with the Clippers on a two-year, $70 million contract.
November 2, 2024: Ties Chamberlain in Triple-Doubles
On November 2, 2024, James Harden recorded his 78th career triple-double, tying Wilt Chamberlain for seventh in NBA history, with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists.
January 30, 2025: Named All-Star Reserve
On January 30, 2025, James Harden was named as a reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his eleventh selection.
2025: Named to 11th All-Star Game
In 2025, James Harden was named to his 11th All-Star Game while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.
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