James Harden’s Next Move: Will the Clippers Star Decline His Player Option?

By Edcel Panganiban June 12, 2025 09:37

The Los Angeles Clippers face a crucial offseason decision as star guard James Harden appears increasingly likely to decline his $36.35 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Harden’s choice, expected by June 29, will shape both his future and the Clippers’ roster construction amid a competitive Western Conference landscape.

Harden, 35, capped off the 2024-25 campaign with one of his most consistent seasons in recent years. Over 79 regular-season games, he averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game while logging 35 minutes per night. His improved defensive effort earned praise, a facet of his game that had been inconsistent previously. Harden’s impact extended into the postseason, where he stepped up as the Clippers’ primary offensive weapon during Kawhi Leonard’s knee injury and Paul George’s departure. In the first-round series, Harden posted 18.7 points and 9.1 assists per game, shooting 43.6% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range, while leading the team in assists and blocks.

Despite his strong performance, sources indicate Harden is “inclined to” forego his player option, which would make him a free agent this summer. This move is seen as a strategic effort to leverage his 2024-25 season into a more lucrative and longer-term contract, ideally with the Clippers. Both Harden and the Clippers reportedly share mutual interest in continuing their partnership, with talks underway for a potential extension that could keep Harden in Los Angeles through the 2026-27 season, aligning with Kawhi Leonard’s contract timeline.

Declining the player option is a common tactic among veteran stars seeking security and flexibility. By opting out, Harden can negotiate a new deal that potentially offers a higher average annual value or additional years, providing stability as he approaches the twilight of his career. His current contract, signed in July 2024, is a two-year, $70 million deal with the second year being the player option.

From the Clippers’ perspective, retaining Harden is critical to maintaining their status as a Western Conference contender. With Kawhi Leonard’s health still a question mark and Paul George no longer on the roster, Harden’s leadership and scoring are invaluable. The front office is expected to prioritize a contract extension that balances Harden’s salary demands with the team’s salary cap flexibility to pursue other roster upgrades.

NBA analyst Lou Williams recently suggested that a positional shift could benefit the Clippers. Moving Harden back to the shooting guard spot, allowing him to focus more on scoring rather than facilitating, might optimize the team’s offensive balance. This adjustment could coincide with the Clippers’ pursuit of a premier point guard, potentially targeting LaMelo Ball in the draft to complement Harden’s skill set.

While Harden’s potential free agency opens the door for other teams to pursue him, industry insiders believe it would be “extremely surprising” to see him leave Los Angeles given the mutual interest in a new deal. The Clippers remain one of the few franchises capable of offering Harden a competitive roster and a chance to contend for a championship.

James Harden’s anticipated decision to decline his player option signals a strategic move toward securing a longer-term contract with the Clippers. His stellar 2024-25 season has positioned him well for negotiations, and both parties appear motivated to continue their collaboration. As the Clippers navigate this pivotal offseason, Harden’s future will be a defining storyline, with implications for the team’s championship aspirations and the broader NBA landscape.