The Los Angeles Clippers are facing a challenging season with a disappointing 10-21 record, raising questions about their future and whether a major roster shakeup is needed. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps recently highlighted the complexities of trading star players Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, noting a lack of demand for either player around the league. While Brian Windhorst acknowledged some interest in Harden, Bontemps emphasized that any trade offer wouldn’t significantly impact the Clippers’ rebuilding efforts.
Leonard commands a hefty salary of $50 million this season and is under contract for another $50.3 million through 2027, while Harden’s contract stands at $39.2 million, along with a potential $42.3 million player option for next year. This financial burden, coupled with the challenges posed by their ages and injury histories—Leonard’s ongoing recovery from ankle and foot sprains, and Harden’s decline from his peak performance—complicates the potential for moving either player.
Despite these dilemmas, the Clippers have shown signs of resilience, currently riding a four-game winning streak following their 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons, where Leonard scored an impressive 55 points. With only 2.5 games separating them from the final play-in spot, there remains hope for a turnaround this season. While dethroning the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, may be a tall order, the team has the potential to make a playoff appearance, which would be a significant achievement given their rocky start.
The Clippers’ recent performances illustrate that, rather than dismantling the team, it might be more prudent to stay the course and seek improvements through their current roster.