James Harden, former NBA MVP and star for the Los Angeles Clippers, recently took to social media to congratulate his friend and Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby on his massive new contract.
Crosby, a four-time pro bowler and one of the best defensive players in the NFL, has been making headlines due to his recent contract extension with the Raiders. This subsequently ended all trade rumors surrounding the star defensive end.
James Harden Comments on Maxx Crosby’s Huge Extension
Crosby’s three-year, $106.5 million extension is massive in more ways than one. For the Raiders, new head coach Pete Carroll gets to keep undoubtedly the team’s best player, making the chance for an improved season all the more likely.
This extension now makes Crosby the highest-paid non-quarterback in the history of the NFL in terms of average annual value. This contract is also a big deal for players like Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson, who need contract extensions. Luckily for them, Crosby just reset the market.
Crosby and Harden have been public friends for some time now, occasionally seen together at each other’s events. Harden posted this picture with Crosby to his X account with a three-word caption that speaks volumes.
Earned Not Given! @CrosbyMaxx 💰 #Uno pic.twitter.com/ZHZ7sacZ1X
— James Harden (@JHarden13) March 6, 2025
“Earned Not Given!” Harden said regarding Crosby’s massive new deal. Crosby wasted no time sharing Harden’s post to his own account along with the caption “My Brother,” “EARNED… Just Like That 50 Ball Last Night.”
My Brother. 🦅🖤 EARNED… Just Like That 50 Ball Last Night. 🐐 https://t.co/cvzDRu7SPj
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) March 6, 2025
Crosby was referring to Harden’s vintage performance on March 5 when he dropped 50 points against the Detroit Pistons.
Fans love a good crossover between sports, and Harden’s post made waves, amassing over 500,000 views and over 10,000 likes, with comments loving the connection between possibly two future hall of famers in their respective sports.
Crosby’s Deal Was Indeed Earned, Not Given
Harden’s comments were not just a result of his long-running friendship with Crosby. The Raiders star’s six-year career has showcased both the stats and leadership that make him worth every penny.
Crosby has been named to the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons. Despite an injury to his ankle in Week 2 and eventual surgery that cost him five games this past season, Crosby still put up Pro Bowl-worthy numbers.
Crosby still managed to collect 7.5 sacks in 2024, along with 35 QB pressures and 45 total tackles. Even with a lingering injury, Crosby led the team in sacks and was the only defensive player from the Raiders to be selected to the Pro Bowl.
Crosby has been an integral part of the Raiders since he started 16 games in 2020 after being drafted in the fourth round in the 2019 NFL Draft. It didn’t take long for Raiders management to figure out that they had discovered a gem in the later rounds of the draft. Six years after he was drafted, ownership was not ready to let their star player walk away.
Since entering the NFL, he has had 59.5 sacks and 423 pressures, which is tied for the fifth-most sacks and the second-most pressures, behind only Garrett (425), further proving Crosby’s extended dominance.
Crosby Wants To Be a Raider for Life
“There’s no other place I’d rather be. I want to be a Raider for life,” Crosby said in a social media post announcing his comment to the silver and black.
Committed To Excellence. Committed To Silver & Black.
Limitless. 🦅💎 pic.twitter.com/BSg9N8RwBF
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) March 5, 2025
The Raiders now have a record-breaking amount of money invested into their long-time star, but can they continue to build a competitive team around him?
While they hold the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the potential for a strong rebuild is certainly there. However, to avoid the trade rumors and once again run the risk of losing their coveted star, the Raiders need to start winning before Crosby’s three-year deal is up.