Although doom is a severely descriptive way to describe the LA Clippers’ future, the front office has set themselves up to go down an undesirable road by giving James Harden a raise, even if it was a minor one. This announcement surfaced through Shams Charania’s report, who mentioned via X(Twitter) that the 11-time All-Star was reaching an agreement on a two-year, $81.5 million contract.
The second year has a player option and is partially guaranteed. This deal furthers the strong partnership Harden has forged with the Clippers since he arrived. He receives a well-deserved raise while providing the team with flexibility to add talent in the present and future. https://t.co/lC963aWu2B
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
Furthermore, Harden ultimately declined his player option for the next season. While most expected him to return, fans were optimistic that he would take a lower salary to ultimately make winning easier. This strategy would have spared LA a few extra million to spend on players like Chris Paul and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Harden’s player option was worth $36.3 million; thus, the front office gave him a raise of nearly $5 million. This is where the questions begin, as many understand why executive Lawrence Frank increased his salary, while others are opposed to it due to his involvement in postseason chaos.
Both sides to the argument make sense, but currently, the Clippers have no business offering him over $40 million annually, as he is aging and the flexibility in the cap room has decreased. Additionally, Harden’s future spells out another first-round exit, given where his postseason reputation stands at the moment.
The LA Clippers have set themselves up for failure with James Harden’s latest contract update
If the playoffs are excluded, James Harden deserves over $50 million for his heroic productions. He won the franchise 50 games despite facing numerous challenges and earned honors as an All-Star and All-NBA guard. Each of these elements supports Harden in a debate for being one of the world's best guards next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Dončić, and Stephen Curry.
.
Additionally, the former MVP averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds in 79 games, shooting 41.0% from the floor and 35.2% from a distance.
Conversely, his two performances of 11 and seven points in the first round against the Denver Nuggets cannot be forgotten. No one would have thought he would be rewarded with a few extra million after going incognito in games five and seven, where he also shot under 35% from the field in both games.
These performances have tarnished his reputation in the playoffs, and with him being in LA for another two seasons, early exits are inevitable unless a real third-star player is added who can cover for him when the usual disappearance occurs.