James Harden hopes Clippers keep Paul George, Kawhi Leonard
After the LA Clippers fell to a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the attention quickly shifted toward the team’s future plans.
Team president Lawrence Frank expressed his hope that the Clippers can keep Paul George and James Harden alongside Kawhi Leonard.
“We’d like to be able to bring back and retain Paul and James,” Frank said Monday via ESPN. “We’re hopeful we can, but also understand and respect the fact that they’re free agents. Paul has a decision with his option. James will be an unrestricted free agent, so our intent is to bring him back, but also realize that they’re elite players and they’ll have choices.”
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George and Harden are headed to free agency this upcoming offseason. The Clippers have repeatedly expressed interest in re-signing both stars. George currently holds a $48.8 million player option for next season, which he’s expected to opt out to garner a lucrative long-term contract.
He is eligible to ink a four-year, $221 million extension through June 30. Since the Clippers signed Leonard to a three-year, $150 million extension, George has shown optimism about resigning with Los Angeles.
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Meanwhile, Harden will head into free agency for the first time in his career. He’s voiced a desire to stay with the Clippers, but there remains uncertainty regarding the type of contract he desires.
Harden fit in smoothly into the fold alongside the team’s other three stars, averaging 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 52.8 percent from the floor and 38.1 percent from beyond the arc in 72 games.
