How the Clippers Can Still Make a Blockbuster Trade After Harden’s Return

By Edcel Panganiban July 01, 2025 04:14

The Los Angeles Clippers’ re-signing of James Harden to a lucrative $81.5 million deal was a major offseason headline, but it doesn’t mean the franchise’s blockbuster trade ambitions are off the table. Despite the financial constraints that come with Harden’s return, the Clippers still possess avenues to maneuver a significant trade that could reshape their roster and elevate their championship prospects.

Harden’s new contract, combined with Kawhi Leonard’s massive $50 million annual salary, places the Clippers deep into luxury tax territory. For the 2025-26 season, the NBA salary cap is set at $154.647 million, with the luxury tax threshold at $187.895 million and the first apron at $195.945 million. The Clippers’ current payroll hovers around $175 million, leaving limited cap flexibility but still some wiggle room under the apron levels. This financial landscape means any blockbuster trade must be carefully structured, often involving salary matching and creative asset management.

One critical factor working in the Clippers’ favor is their access to the Mid-Level Exception (MLE), which stands at $14.1 million for non-taxpaying teams and $5.7 million for taxpayers. While the Clippers are likely taxpayers, the MLE can still be a valuable tool to absorb contracts or add role players in a trade package. Moreover, the team holds several expiring or partially guaranteed contracts that could be used as trade sweeteners or salary dumps to create cap space.

Clippers president Lawrence Frank has emphasized the team’s commitment to building around Harden and Leonard but has not ruled out significant roster changes. “We’re always looking to improve and find the right pieces to complement our stars,” Frank said recently. “James coming back gives us stability, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be aggressive in the trade market.”

Potential trade targets for the Clippers could include young, cost-controlled talent or impactful veterans on expiring deals. For example, leveraging assets like Norman Powell or Bogdan Bogdanović, both on sizable but movable contracts, could entice teams looking for scoring or shooting while freeing cap space. Additionally, the Clippers might explore multi-team trades to balance salaries and acquire draft picks or promising young players.

Statistically, Harden’s return is a boon. Last season, he averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, providing elite playmaking and scoring. Pairing Harden’s offensive creativity with Leonard’s two-way excellence forms a formidable core, but the Clippers need complementary shooters and defenders to contend with Western Conference powerhouses like the Nuggets and Suns.

The luxury tax implications are significant but not prohibitive. Owner Steve Ballmer has shown a willingness to spend to win, and the Clippers could absorb the tax hit if the right deal presents itself. However, smart financial management will be key to avoid hampering future flexibility.

While James Harden’s return tightens the Clippers’ salary cap situation, it does not close the door on blockbuster trades. By utilizing exceptions, leveraging movable contracts, and potentially engaging in multi-team deals, the Clippers can still reshape their roster. The front office’s challenge will be balancing financial realities with the urgency to build a championship-caliber team around Harden and Leonard. As Lawrence Frank put it, “We’re not done yet. There’s still work to do.” The coming weeks will reveal how aggressively the Clippers pursue that vision.