Glenn James/NBAE through Getty Photographs
The Los Angeles Clippers re-signed James Harden to a two-year contract price $70 million that features a participant choice, in line with Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Harden spent the 2023-24 season with the Clippers following a commerce from the Philadelphia 76ers. Regardless of the blockbuster transfer, Los Angeles nonetheless fell within the first spherical of the playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Clippers might additionally danger dropping Paul George in free company, as Yahoo Sports activities’ Jake Fischer reported on Sunday that the group is not keen to supply him a contract longer than three years.
With numerous uncertainty surrounding Los Angeles’ future, followers weren’t impressed with Harden’s deal.
Mike North @North2North
Bad news for clippers as James Harden is gonna stay with them .. @ESPN1000 @benmaller 👀🏀✍️
DraftKings Sportsbook @DKSportsbook
The Clippers’ odds to win the NBA Title BEFORE re-signing James Harden: +4000
The Clippers’ odds to win the NBA Title AFTER re-signing James Harden: +4000 pic.twitter.com/eicFa4nDnH
Fischer noted that the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers are both “prepared” to offer George a four-year maximum contract, which could end up being the difference in his free agency decision. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the 34-year-old plans to talk with all three groups beginning on Sunday evening.
If George departs in free company, it might be tough for the Clippers to contend for a high seed within the Western Convention with simply Harden and Kawhi Leonard main the group. Leonard is 33 years outdated, whereas Harden shall be 35 earlier than the start of subsequent season.
Los Angeles can also be coping with the unsure way forward for Russell Westbrook. Although he accepted his $4 million participant choice on Saturday, Charania reported that the Clippers are “actively” engaged on trades involving him.
Harden wrapped up an underwhelming 2023-24 season, as his scoring common dipped under 20 factors per recreation for the primary time since his days with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. He additionally shot simply 42.8 p.c from the sector, the third-lowest mark of his profession. Whereas his particular person manufacturing could improve as soon as once more with George doubtlessly out of the image, it isn’t a certainty.
Even when his numbers do enhance as a attainable No. 2 scoring choice, the Clippers would doubtless be worse off and not using a nine-time All-Star comparable to George within the beginning lineup.