Following an abysmal display in one of the few game sevens of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the LA Clippers' front office could have dodged any future meltdowns by ignoring his request to return after declining his player option. This would have put him in the unrestricted free agent market, leaving the 35-year-old with an endless list of teams to join next.
Lawrence Frank approached Harden's biggest weakness, which is inevitable failure in the postseason, by adding everything possible in the offseason. Getting stronger rather than replacing seemed like a better option to Frank, and there is hope that it could work out next season.
Bradley Beal and Chris Paul are the top stories regarding a star and elite playmaker who will assist Harden when he decides to be non-aggressive and play off the ball. While this is not his style, as he has amassed an unimaginable amount of money with the rock in his control, the 11-time All-Star falls in this direction each playoff run.
Moreover, NBA expert Bill Simmons recently highlighted an aspect of the Clippers' new build that is not being discussed, and to a certain extent, he is correct. Although fans may be in denial upon hearing Simmons' opinion, they will see the truth after Game 82 next season.
Adding Bradley Beal and Chris Paul will not change how the LA Clippers' championship hopes rely on James Harden
For James Harden to win a championship for his legacy and the city he has on his back, the former MVP will have to dominate consistently. If a loss occurs, Harden is regarded as the superstar and will face the blame over Bradley Beal and Chris Paul, who are essentially role players playing to assist the offense.
Furthermore, Bill Simmons highlighted(29:00) how the LA Clippers' structure still rotates around Harden, even with the additions of Beal and Paul, meaning that a deep run will not be achieved until he dismantles the image that has defined him in the postseason.
This is reasonable judgment from Simmons, as Harden may have struggled in different stages of the first round, yet he still had the highest usage rate on the team of anyone who played over 150 minutes.
That said, Harden must live up to the words he once spoke, which shocked the NBA community in how he believes he is the system wherever he goes. This will only be deemed valid if four consecutive series are won at least once in his veteran resume.