Clippers Ripped By NBA Fans for James Harden Contract amid Paul George Exit Rumors
June 30, 2024
The Los Angeles Clippers re-signed James Harden to a two-year contract worth $70 million that includes a player option, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Harden spent the 2023-24 season with the Clippers following a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the blockbuster move, Los Angeles still fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Clippers could also risk losing Paul George in free agency, as Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported on Sunday that the team isn't willing to offer him a contract longer than three years.
With a lot of uncertainty surrounding Los Angeles' future, fans weren't impressed with Harden's deal.
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 speak with all three teams starting on Sunday night.
If George departs in free agency, it would be difficult for the Clippers to contend for a top seed in the Western Conference with just Harden and Kawhi Leonard leading the team. Leonard is 33 years old, while Harden will be 35 before the beginning of next season.
Los Angeles is also dealing with the uncertain future of Russell Westbrook. Even though he accepted his $4 million player option on Saturday, Charania reported that the Clippers are "actively" working on trades involving him.
Harden wrapped up an underwhelming 2023-24 season, as his scoring average dipped below 20 points per game for the first time since his days with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also shot just 42.8 percent from the field, the third-lowest mark of his career. While his individual production may increase once again with George potentially out of the picture, it's not a certainty.
Even if his numbers do improve as a possible No. 2 scoring option, the Clippers would likely be worse off without a nine-time All-Star such as George in the starting lineup.
