In response to Charania, the second yr will likely be a participant choice and will likely be partially assured if Harden opts in.
Courting again to 2022 free company, that is the third consecutive time that Harden has inked a one-plus-one contract (two-year cope with a participant choice). The worth of his cap hit for 2025-26 will decide how a lot monetary flexibility the Clippers could have as they appear to improve their roster this offseason.
Harden, who turns 36 years outdated on the finish of August, appeared in 79 video games final season, averaging 22.8 factors, 8.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals on .410/.352/.872 taking pictures in 35.3 minutes per contest. The previous NBA MVP was chosen to his eleventh All-Star staff in 2024-25 and was additionally named to the All-NBA Third Staff, marking the eighth time he’s been an all-league performer.
With Kawhi Leonard out for the primary half of the season, Harden was the first offensive engine for a Clippers staff that carried out higher than anticipated after dropping Paul George. He additionally had spectacular chemistry with beginning heart Ivica Zubac, who had a profession yr with Harden orchestrating pick-and-rolls.
The Clippers went 50-32 final season, good for the No. 5 seed within the West, however misplaced their first-round playoff collection in opposition to Denver in seven video games.
Harden, a local of Los Angeles, was extensively anticipated to return to the Clippers in some style, whether or not by exercising his choice or declining it and re-signing on a brand new deal. He opted for the latter route this summer time and might be a free agent once more in 2026.
The transfer is sensible for each side. The Nets are the one staff with a big quantity of cap room this offseason, and so they have been by no means going to be taken with a reunion with Harden on the again finish of his profession, lowering his negotiating leverage.
However the Clippers additionally had no viable solution to exchange Harden’s scoring and play-making, and he has been fairly sturdy throughout his 16-year profession. His contract for 2026-27 being partially assured provides L.A. somewhat safety within the occasion of an damage or a decline in Harden’s play.
