Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden has been linked to the rival Lakers in free agency, but they likely won’t be able to offer nearly enough, even if LeBron James takes a pay cut.
As relayed by RealGM, a potential offer to Harden “of the full non-taxpayer midlevel from the Lakers starting at $12.8 million will likely be far less than what the Clippers will offer.”
James has opted out of his contract and reportedly is willing to take a decrease in salary if the Lakers can sign Harden, Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors) or Jonas Valanciunas (New Orleans Pelicans) in free agency.
“The type of player that James would be willing to make a financial sacrifice for would be an established veteran playmaker like James Harden or Klay Thompson, or an established big man to play alongside Anthony Davis — like Jonas Valančiūnas, sources told ESPN,” McMenamin wrote.
But Harden “could get double (what the Lakers could offer) to return to the Clippers,” said ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Harden appeared in 72 games with the Clippers last season and averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 8.5 assists, shooting 42.8% from the floor, 38.1% on 3-pointers and 87.8% from the foul line.
He carries career averages of 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists with the Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Clippers. He was born and raised in Los Angeles.
“The Clippers could still likely pay Harden more than any other team, but it is likely less than what he was anticipating as the franchise attempts to stay under the second apron in the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement environment,” RealGM wrote.
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