NBA Fans Speculate About James Harden's Future After Kawhi Leonard's New Contract
The Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard have agreed upon a three-year, $152.4 million contract extension, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic. The fully guaranteed deal runs through the 2026-27 season.
Paul George is also in talks with the Clippers on a long-term deal, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, with the team wanting to keep that star around as well.
The biggest question, though, surrounds James Harden, an impending free agent. Since arriving via trade on Nov. 1 from the Philadelphia 76ers, the 34-year-old has averaged 17.4 points and 8.4 assists per game.
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L.A. has earned a 23-13 record, good enough for fourth in the Western Conference. The Clips have also gone on a 15-3 run after an 8-10 start and look destined for a deep playoff run.
Given how the team has played over the past month or so, it only makes sense to keep as much of this core as possible together for the near future. Leonard is now locked in, and George could be as well.
But what will happen to Harden, who is free to leave in free agency this offseason? He notably can't sign a new deal until then, per Wojnarowski, so an extension is off the table.
Fans and analysts alike gave their takes on the matter after news of the Leonard signing broke.
For now, the Clips are looking to continue their scorching-hot stretch. They host the Toronto Raptors next on Wednesday.
