After the Dallas Mavericks eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, attention has shifted to the future of Clippers stars Paul George and James Harden. George has the option to sign a lucrative four-year extension with the Clippers, but he has yet to do so. On the other hand, Harden is set to become a free agent this offseason. Rumors have already started circulating about potential suitors for George, with the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic being mentioned as possible destinations for him in free agency.
If George decides to leave in free agency, the Clippers could potentially be over the salary cap if they re-sign Harden to a max deal. This would limit their flexibility in restructuring their roster and making significant moves in the free-agent market. With Kawhi Leonard’s injury concerns looming, the Clippers may need to reevaluate their strategy moving forward, especially after their early playoff exit. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer seems keen on re-signing both George and Harden, believing that having elite talent can help mitigate the impact of Leonard’s injuries.
The Sixers have emerged as a potential landing spot for George, given their cap space and interest in adding him to their roster. George could use the Sixers’ interest as leverage in contract negotiations with the Clippers. If George opts to stay in LA, he could potentially force a sign-and-trade to another team, allowing the Clippers to receive assets in return rather than losing him in free agency. With free agency looming, the Clippers will need to navigate their options carefully and consider the long-term implications of their decisions.
As the negotiations unfold, the Clippers will have to emphasize the importance of sacrifice to George and Harden. Asking for full max contracts could limit the team’s flexibility in building a championship-caliber roster. By potentially accepting below-max deals, George and Harden could provide the team with more financial flexibility and room to make roster moves in the future. Ultimately, the Clippers will need to find a balance between retaining their star players and ensuring that they have the resources to remain competitive in the long run.
