Clippers Reportedly Expected to Pursue Trades After James Harden Contract Is Addressed

The Los Angeles Clippers had a promising year that ultimately ended with a first-round exit in the playoffs, and now they have a big offseason ahead of them.

At the top of their priorities is addressing James Harden's contract. After that, the Clippers could hit the trade market.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Saturday that "some rival teams expect the Clippers to be a team to watch in the trade market this summer." Fischer noted that Los Angeles "has some tradeable contracts on its books" after Paul George's exit allowed the team to sign several players on short-term deals.

Fischer added that before seeking any trades, the Clippers will look to take care of Harden's contract situation. According to Fischer, the team lining up Harden's contract with the timeline of Kawhi Leonard, who is bound to Los Angeles through the 2026-27 season, is a "very plausible outcome."

Harden, 35, has a player option for the 2025-26 season. He's coming off an outstanding season in which he averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds, serving as the Clippers' first option for much of the season.

Thanks to a great year from Harden, Los Angeles didn't take the step back that many expected following George's departure last offseason. Now with the right moves, the Clippers could take a step forward and emerge as a Finals contender.

What players it be willing to part with in a trade to take that step will be one of the biggest questions for Los Angeles.