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LeBron James Hits $500M Earnings as Harden Deal Awaits

2026-09-02 · LeBron James · Player Focus

LeBron James has cemented another financial milestone in his legendary career. The Philadelphia 76ers star, along with Houston's Kevin Durant, now stands as one of only two players in NBA history to eclipse the $500 million mark in career earnings. This exclusive club could soon have a third member if a reported deal for James Harden is finalized.

How does James Harden's new deal connect to LeBron?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly agreed to a new three-year, $97 million contract with free agent James Harden. The deal, which includes a player option for the 2028-29 season and a trade kicker, was negotiated by his agents at Equity Sports and reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. Harden's career earnings currently sit at $414 million. Completing this new contract would push him past the $500 million threshold, allowing him to join the ultra-exclusive financial club currently occupied only by LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

However, a surprising development emerged on Wednesday. Despite the reported agreement, Harden has not yet officially signed the historic contract. This news came after Cleveland signed center Khalifa Diop. The Cavaliers created the necessary salary cap flexibility for Harden's deal by acquiring and then waiving forward Cam Whitmore, stretching his salary over three years.

What other athlete is being compared to LeBron James?

A different kind of athlete is drawing direct comparisons to LeBron James for his longevity and sustained excellence. Gold Phoenix, an 8-year-old Irish-bred gelding, is chasing history at the Del Mar racetrack. On Saturday, August 28, 2026, the 5-2 morning-line favorite will attempt to win the Del Mar Handicap for a fifth consecutive year. A victory would match the legendary horse Kelso, who won the Jockey Club Gold Cup five straight times from 1960 to 1964.

Owners Gary Fenton and Billy Koch of Little Red Feather Racing Stable explicitly liken their horse's career arc to that of sports icons who defied age. They mentioned Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tom Brady, and LeBron James as examples of individuals who have delayed the inevitable decline for years. Since his U.S. debut in January 2022, Gold Phoenix has won a dozen races, earned over $2.5 million, and secured seven stakes victories at Del Mar alone.

  • LeBron James and Kevin Durant are the NBA's only $500 million career earners.
  • James Harden's pending $97 million deal with Cleveland could bring him into that club.
  • Racehorse Gold Phoenix, compared to LeBron, seeks a historic fifth straight Del Mar Handicap win on August 28, 2026.
Athlete / EntityKey Financial or Racing MilestoneContext
LeBron James$500+ million career earningsOne of two NBA players to reach this mark.
James Harden$97 million contract (reported)Would join the $500M club if signed and completed.
Gold Phoenix$2.5+ million career earningsHas thrived at Del Mar with 7 stakes wins.

The financial landscape for the NBA's elite continues to reach unprecedented levels, with LeBron James leading the way.

More LeBron James news →