The secret that eventually hit the spotlight on Paul George’s tenure with the LA Clippers was the short-term versus long-term commitment. As an aging superstar, George wanted to be treated like a primetime two-way engine by receiving a lengthy, high-salary deal. LA saw otherwise, and in no time, his talents were taken to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Well, the same process is being repeated with James Harden. The Clippers did not want any long-term ties to the two-way superstar then, and years later, they reportedly have the same mindset with Harden now, according to Jake Fischer of ‘The Stein Line.’ The result: George was replaced, and LA continued to succeed as a winning franchise, suggesting they do not regret letting him go.
Thus, if Harden wants the Clippers to be in it for the long haul, he is mistaken. The former MVP will have to accept that LA wants to keep their books clean in 2027, unless a young All-Star is rostered, like Darius Garland.
James Harden’s excellence at 36 will not be enough to receive a lasting extension
James Harden, in year 17, is averaging 25.4 points, 16th in the league, and 8.1 assists, third in the league, which are impressive for a 36-year-old, but in retrospect, the 11-time All-Star will only grow older. At some point, a decline will become evident, and the LA Clippers do not want to fall into the trap the Philadelphia 76ers did by paying Paul George just for him to immediately regress.
Furthermore, there is no amount of greatness Harden could present at one of the final stages of his career to convince a front office that already has their mind made up. They primarily want financial freedom and flexibility, and that is that; end of discussion.
Hence, as they should be, the Clippers appear content to move on from Harden. This is not surprising, even though he was instrumental in LA’s historical turnaround; it is the truth, particularly if the two sides cannot find common ground.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the primary team, yet according to Tomer Azarly, the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans have reported interest, but Harden can veto a trade.
That said, the Clippers were close observers of George's move to Philadelphia, and they want to go 2-for-2 in their decision-making regarding superstars. Therefore, Lawrence Frank will intentionally move him and hope that prosperous years lie ahead.