The bare minimum salary for an All-NBA type of season should be $50 million, and that is what James Harden could have required the LA Clippers to pay him. After all, he deserves it, and the fanbase loves the player and character he is, even if the playoffs did not end in his favor.
Furthermore, Lawrence Frank has always been committed to the 11-time All-Star, and likely had the $50 million check ready to sign to Harden for winning the team 50 games, making both of the NBA’s notable honors, and averaging nearly 23 points, nine assists, and six rebounds in 79 games.
However, Harden had a different perception. He, too, wanted to be a Clipper, but the former MVP likely showed up to Frank’s office more eager to compromise than to receive a generational-level income just a few months before turning 36.
As expected, Frank went with the team-friendly option and minimally increased Harden’s figures once he was allowed to, as there was a wait until the player-option deadline, which the three-time scoring champion maximized before declining.
Rather than joining the $50-million club, Harden preferred the early 40s and signed a two-year, $81.5 million deal to help the team win this summer’s free agency.
Moreover, the team has been able to add two game-changing targets, which was only possible because Harden prioritized the fan base and the organization's success.
The LA Clippers’ top free agent additions were a direct result of James Harden's multi-million-dollar sacrifice
In a Zoom call focused on Bradley Beal, executive Lawrence Frank spoke to the LA Clippers' media about how James Harden’s selflessness made it easy to sign Beal and Brook Lopez in free agency. This is a rare quality possessed in the money-hungry business of the NBA, which increases the respect Clipper Nation has for Harden.
Lawrence Frank says that James Harden taking a pay cut is the only reason why LAC could sign Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez:
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) July 19, 2025
"Without James, we cant even get Bradley Beal... All James cares about is winning. He's willing to sacrifice part of his game, part of his contract."
Within the same interview, Frank mentioned Harden taking time out of his day to thoroughly explain to Beal why LA is the team to join. This is one-hundred percent accurate, given the Clippers’ facility, owner, organization, and coaching staff, but speaking to a superstar on the team certainly gave the three-time all-star a heavy favorite.
Lawrence Frank says James Harden spent over 30 minutes on the phone with Bradley Beal's agent to recruit him to the Clippers.
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) July 19, 2025
That said, Harden clearly loves the Clippers, and he has not just said it but shown it in several key ways this offseason. If next season comes with a ring, praise and thanks must be given to the veteran guard for all that he has done without expecting favors in return.