James Harden’s arrival in Houston in 2012 was the start of a new era for the Rockets. Coming from Oklahoma City, he immediately signed a five-year, $80 million extension and transformed the franchise’s identity. Over nine seasons, Harden showed off his prowess with his assists and guided them to eight straight playoff appearances. He later signed a four-year, $118 million extension in 2016, then a supermax extension in 2017 that brought his total guaranteed earnings in Houston to about $228 million. Now, he’s agreed to an $81.5 million deal with the Clippers, but his Houston years remain unforgettable.

A year after Harden’s debut season, the Rockets added Dwight Howard, signing him to a four-year, $88 million deal in 2013. Howard’s presence boosted the team’s defense and inside scoring. H

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