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Clippers Exec Provides Update on James Harden, Kawhi Leonard’s Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated May 5, 2025 3:59 PM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers' 2025 season ended on Saturday night after they lost Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets, 120-101. It was a difficult end to a positive season that saw the Clippers post a 50-32 record. However, they fell short of expectations with their third straight first-round exit, having lost to the Phoenix Suns in five games in 2023 and being defeated by the Dallas Mavericks in six games in 2024.

Superstar Kawhi Leonard returned to the lineup in January and was relatively healthy from there on out. Fellow max contract star James Harden was his usual productive self, averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.5 steals per contest in 79 games.

Norman Powell had a huge comeback season, posting 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game this year. Such a performance was his highest scoring average of his 12-year career and best since 2022.

Lawrence Frank on what level of thought he's given to one (or both) of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden won't be on the roster next season: "I haven't given it any, but I also am respectful of the fact that James has a player option."
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) May 5, 2025

When discussing the team's future, L.A.'s president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, stated that he hasn't given any thought to not having Leonard or Harden available next year, implying he believes they will both play for the Clippers in 2025.

He also highlighted his expectation to be competitive again next season through "internal improvement and roster additions," and the franchise remains "an attractive destination for future free agents," said Frank via Clippers beat writer Joey Linn.

There are a lot of questions about the future of this team's core.

Harden is entering a player option year in his contract, and if he chooses to return, he would net over $36.3 million.

Leonard's deal has two years remaining after he signed a three-year extension in 2024. Both years are worth about $50 million each.

Since the 2018 season, Leonard has only played more than 60 regular-season games once (2023-24). This season, he played 37 games. He was the team leader in scoring during the Clippers' postseason run, averaging 25.0 points per game, 7.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.1 steals.

Ultimately, the luxury of having their core of Harden and Leonard available next season depends on whether the former chooses to exercise his option. This was his second season in Los Angeles after spending two years in each of his last two teams: the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets.

Harden began his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, playing there for three seasons. After moving to the Houston Rockets, he stayed with the franchise for nine years before splitting six seasons between the Clippers, Sixers and Nets.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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