Details of why James Harden re-signed with Clippers are revealed

At the start of the LA Clippers' offseason, there were some big questions that were going to determine the future of this team going forward. Most notable, the free agency decision of Paul George, who the Clippers ultimately brought on as Kawhi Leonard's running mate five years ago, and who was the main reason number two even ended up with the organization.

Of course, Paul George's decision was the most important factor in LA's offseason, and it did ultimately change the course of what they did this summer. But right behind George in notable free agents this offseason was James Harden.

The Clippers' starting point guard had been with the organization for just over six months when the team's 2023-24 season came to a close. What lied ahead was a big free agency decision, and one where Harden's potential departure could have really put LA in a difficult position.

But as we know, James chose to re-sign with the organization for an additional two years. At Clippers media day on Monday, Harden dove into why he opted to return to Los Angeles so quickly once the free agency period began. The biggest reason for him? Southern California is home.

James Harden: Los Angeles is home for me

"I'm home," Harden said. "I'm home and I don't plan on going anywhere else. I want to leave a legacy, especially having that opportunity here at home. I love everything that we're doing." This is such a massively reassuring statement for the fanbase to hear, especially when James was in a position where he could have left town easily.

Harden made it clear that he wants to continue helping the Clippers become a real championship contender once again. "A lot of outsiders and people that are analysts or whatever you want to call them don't really have high expectations for us, but we have high expectations for ourselves. I've never missed the playoffs my entire career, so I feel our entire team, we have a lot to prove.”

In this new era of Clippers basketball, it is hugely encouraging to see James take the lead in asserting that the team has defined goals and that they are not willing to simply listen to the outside noise that says they will not be good enough. This team may not have Paul George any longer, but it is becoming more apparent that they do not care what the critics think.

The fact that Harden re-signed quickly was always excellent, but now we know he did it out of wanting to represent his home the right way. Clippers fans can look forward to a seemingly re-ignited James Harden this season that is motivated to prove the doubters wrong.