Overview

• The Clippers intend to re-sign James Harden, who is expected to decline his $36 million player option to negotiate a new deal.
• Kawhi Leonard remains a cornerstone with two years left on his contract and enters the offseason healthy for the first time since 2020.
• President Lawrence Frank expressed confidence in the duo, emphasizing their importance to the team's future despite another first-round playoff exit.
• ESPN insiders revealed internal discussions questioning Leonard's long-term value due to his injury history and high salary.
• The team's lack of draft assets and salary cap flexibility complicates efforts to balance veteran leadership with roster depth and youth.