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Keeping James Harden should be a top focus for the Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Keeping James Harden should be a top focus for the Clippers

James Harden has rediscovered himself since joining the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023. This past season, he re-entered the All-Star conversation, adding an 11th appearance to his resume. Even at age 35, Harden ended the season averaging 22.8 points and 8.7 assists. 

It should come as no surprise, then, that HoopsHype's Michael Scotto is reporting the Clippers and Harden have mutual interest in extending their time together. 

"After earning an All-Star and All-NBA Third Team selection, Clippers guard James Harden is trending towards declining his $36.35 million player option, league sources told HoopsHype," Scotto reported, "Both Harden and the Clippers are interested in continuing their partnership, sources say, with a growing belief that his next contract could keep him in Los Angeles through the 2026-27 season alongside Kawhi Leonard."

Harden has earned the opportunity to keep pushing for a championship with the Clippers. If the front office can get his next contract to line up with Kawhi Leonard's, the two star veterans will have a two-year window to try and finally give the Clippers fan base a trophy. 

While that window may be short, the Clippers will likely feel they're just one big piece away from being a genuine contender. The strong end to the season will undoubtedly fill the fan base and the franchise with optimism. Harden has a big role to play, both in keeping everyone engaged with the team's push toward a championship and with actually ensuring the Clippers are a legitimate threat.

Therefore, finding a way to extend Harden's stay in Los Angeles must be a top priority. He's proven himself to be invaluable to Ty Lue's team and has earned the chance to have one final big payday before his career begins to wind down. 

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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