Clippers star at odds with organization over money

When James Harden was traded to the Clippers in 2023, he was hopeful he could change the narrative about him being a journeyman. He had played for four teams in four years and staunchly rejected the narrative that he had stiff-armed his way off the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Harden wanted to win his first championship in LA, just 22 miles from where he went to high school in Artesia. He wanted to do it alongside Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook, each of whom were also from Southern California. And hoped this would be a long-term fit. 

But things haven’t panned out. 

News broke Monday that Harden and the Clippers are working together to find him a new home ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. Talks between the Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers for a deal that would swap him and Darius Garland have heated up. 

The Clippers didn’t make it out of the first round of the playoffs the last two years. And it’s clear they’re focused on clearing their salary cap for the 2027 offseason, when they can pursue free agents. 

Meanwhile, Harden has an unusual contract. His $42.3 million salary for next season could be cut to $13.3 million if he were waived by July 11. 

The breaking point for Harden reportedly is that he would like a two-year, $80 million fully guaranteed contract after this season and the Clippers are unwilling to do so, per ClutchPoints.

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While a breakup makes sense, the timing of it is rough, considering the Clippers have been one of the best teams in the NBA as of late, entering Monday’s game with a 17-4 record over the last few weeks following an abysmal 6-21 start to their season. 

The 36-year-old Harden has shined this season, averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds a game.

Harden was not with the Clippers on Monday because of “personal reasons.” He also missed Sunday’s game against Phoenix. Harden has veto power over any deal since he’s under contract for only this season. 

As for the Clippers, they were left to answer for the bombshell report following Monday’s 128-113 loss to the 76ers. 

“I respect his decision or whoever’s decision it is and that’s it,” Leonard said. “He’s still going to be my boy.”

Added John Collins: “It was definitely shocking to me. But I think we’ll just have to continue to see how it all unfolds and then just go with it.”

Harden has provided stability for the Clippers this season, playing in 44 of a possible 49 games. Over the past few weeks, it seemed as though the Clippers’ vision of a Harden and Leonard pairing was finally being realized, with the two of them alternating between playmaking and taking over the offense to create a confounding puzzle for defenders. 

But alas, Harden apparently wants longer-term contract security, something the Clippers aren’t willing to commit to providing. 

So, another era of Clippers basketball is seemingly coming to a disappointing end. (Westbrook was sent to Utah as part of a sign-and-trade deal in July 2024 and George left in free agency for the 76ers in 2024.)

If a deal doesn’t get done by Thursday, the Clippers risk Harden becoming discontent, something that hasn’t boded well for his previous teams.

So both parties appear to be highly motivated to get something done. 

Harden wants to make superstar-level money on a contender instead of entering into the unknown with a team that hasn’t been able to reach its ceiling. And the Clippers want the freedom to retool their franchise after four straight seasons of failing to advance past the first round of the playoffs. 

As for Clippers coach Ty Lue, he said he couldn’t comment on possible trades rumors. 

But when asked if he hoped Harden would remain with the Clippers after the trade deadline, he didn’t hesitate. 

“Who wouldn’t want to have James Harden?” he said.