Report: James Harden Expected To Re-Sign With Clippers, Russell Westbrook Won’t Be Back

According to NBA reporter Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, James Harden is expected to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. 

However, Russell Westbrook is not expected to be back. The former MVP has a player option for next season. 

The Clippers are dealing with a major Paul George situation. The All-Star has a player option for next season. He could decline it and become a free agent or pick it up and request a trade. 

LAC hasn’t offered George the money he’s looking for. The Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets are interested in acquiring George, sources told Hoops Wire. 

One of the top players in the NBA, George has indicated to teams that he’s not looking to leave the West Coast. 

“As of Friday morning, Harden, despite George’s contractual situation taking centerstage, is expected to return to the Clippers in free agency, league sources tell ClutchPoints,” Azarly wrote. “George’s negotiations are not expected to affect talks between Harden and the Clippers. … League sources have told ClutchPoints that Westbrook is not expected to be in a Clippers uniform next season, with Russell reportedly looking at other options that would include opportunity and playing time. There have also been reports of the Clippers’ interest in point guards Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry, which would reinforce the idea that they’re going to replace him.”

The Clippers lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in six games. George and Kawhi Leonard joined the franchise in 2019. LAC has never been to the NBA Finals. 

Harden averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.8 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 42.8% from the field, 38.1% from beyond the arc and 87.8% from the free-throw line. The lefty requested a trade from the Sixers to the Clippers. 

The NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.3 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 45.4% overall, 27.3% from 3 and 68.8% from the foul line.

The Clippers had to convince Westbrook to come off the bench after acquiring Harden and it wasn’t an easy process, per Azarly.