The Los Angeles Clippers have won 10 of their last 13 games, as they’re hoping to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
Forward Kawhi Leonard has stepped up as of late, averaging 25.3 points on 54.2% shooting, 7.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 steals in his last 10 games. Guard James Harden helped keep the Clippers afloat when Leonard was out of the lineup, and the former Philadelphia 76ers All-Star is predicted to extend his stay in Los Angeles,
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus wrote that “Long-term, it’s hard to say which of the Clippers’ players need to be on the roster in a few years. A reset may eventually come, but it looks like L.A.’s path is similar to that of the Warriors with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. The Clippers would likely prioritize lining up Harden with Leonard’s final year in 2026-27.”
“Look for Harden to decline his $36.3 million player option to get a similar figure but on a two-year deal to line up with Leonard, perhaps at $72-75 million,” Pincus concluded.
It seems that Harden has found his long-term home, and it just so happens to be in the city he grew up in. Harden helped the 76ers win a playoff series in two consecutive years before being dealt to the Clippers in October 2023.
Despite being 35 years old, Harden is averaging 22.5 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, proving he can still contribute at a high level. The Clippers should be able to compete in a deep Western Conference over the next couple of years if Leonard and Harden can stay somewhat healthy and if they have the right supporting cast.
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