Clippers Offseason Primer: Roster Depth, James Harden Future Headline Summer Questions

It was almost a year ago that the Clippers let Paul George walk in free agency, a move met with criticism at the time. There was no trade, no assets in return — just George heading to Philadelphia and the Clippers appearing to move backward in the middle of a win-now window with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard still on the roster.

That thinking has since shifted.

Though back-to-back first-round exits leave plenty to be desired, George’s departure ultimately gave the Clippers some breathing room financially and roster-wise. After shelling out $370 million in luxury tax over four years, L.A. is now more cost-efficient and, arguably, better balanced.

The Clippers ranked third in defensive efficiency and won 50 games — tied for their second-most since 2016-17. Twelve players are under contract heading into the offseason, including the starting five. The team also holds two draft picks.

The Clippers’ only unrestricted free agents are Ben Simmons, Patty Mills, and Amir Coffey. Nicolas Batum and Harden both hold player options. If Harden declines his $36.3 million option, his next deal will shape how much room the Clippers have to spend in free agency or the trade market.

But Clippers head of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told reporters he hasn’t seriously considered a future without either Harden or Leonard, even though Harden can become a free agent this summer by declining his player option.

Financial Outlook

L.A. has options. Even with Harden opting in and factoring in their first-round pick, the Clippers sit about $12 million under the tax line and $20 million below the first apron. That would allow them to use most of their nontaxpayer midlevel exception.

They could also free up space by waiving non-guaranteed deals belonging to Drew Eubanks ($4.8 million) and Jordan Miller ($2.1 million). Beyond that, the Clippers hold three trade exceptions — valued at $6.5 million, $4.2 million, and $2.1 million — and can spend via the second-round and minimum-salary exceptions.

Top Priority

Harden’s next contract. Harden signed a two-year, $70 million deal last July with no real outside bidders. That wound up being a bargain. Harden played 79 games — his most since 2016-17 — and ranked fifth leaguewide in minutes. He became the only player this season to record 1,500 points, 500 assists, 100 steals, and 50 blocks.

But once again, postseason inconsistency overshadowed regular-season production. In Games 4, 5 and 7 of the Clippers’ first-round series loss to Dallas, Harden combined for just 33 points.

Because he’s ineligible for an extension if he opts in, Harden is expected to decline the player option and negotiate a new deal. A two-year contract seems most likely, especially with Leonard already locked in through 2026 and Harden turning 36 in August.

Extension Watch

Norman Powell. There was a point earlier this season when Powell looked like a borderline All-Star. Prior to the break, he averaged 24.2 points on 49.6% shooting and 42.8% from deep. But injuries caught up — first the right knee in February, then a hamstring in March– and he tailed off to 14.4 points over his final 15 games.

Powell, 32 this month, is entering the final year of his contract. He’s eligible for a four-year, $128.5 million extension starting the day after the NBA Finals. Given his age and durability concerns — he’s topped 60 games just once in the past four seasons — a shorter deal might make more sense for both sides.

Also extension-eligible: Amir Coffey (through June 30).

Team Needs

The bench thins out fast if Batum doesn’t return. That would leave Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. as the only reliable reserves. Cam Christie and Kobe Brown are expected to take on bigger roles, but development will be key.

Draft Capital

The Clippers don’t control their own first-round pick in any of the next four drafts. They owe an unprotected 2026 first to Oklahoma City, and the Thunder can swap in 2027. Philadelphia owns their 2028 first, and has swap rights in 2029 (picks 4–30). L.A. can still trade its 2030 and 2032 firsts, and has five second-rounders available in deals.