This deal will keep the 35-year-old superstar with the Clippers until the end of the 2025-2026 season, aligning his contract expiration with teammate Kawhi Leonard's.

Harden's journey to the Clippers began last season when he was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster deal. Following a strained relationship with Sixers president Daryl Morey, Harden decided to exercise his 2023-24 player option and demand a trade rather than enter free agency. However, this time around, negotiations were smooth, with no rumors of Harden considering other teams.

During his time with the Clippers, Harden played 72 games, averaging 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 34.3 minutes per game. While his usage rate dropped to 20.2%, the lowest since his early NBA years, Harden remains one of the league's elite playmakers, boasting an impressive true shooting percentage of 61.2%.

Retaining Harden was a crucial part of the Clippers' offseason plans, but the focus now shifts to Paul George's future. While George is set to meet with the Clippers on Sunday, reports suggest that the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic have lined up meetings with him as well. The Sixers, in particular, are reportedly growing confident in their chances of luring George away.

Earlier this year, Kawhi Leonard expressed his expectation that both Harden and George would stay on the team. However, negotiations with George have hit a roadblock, as the Clippers have been unwilling to offer him a deal longer than Leonard's. This stance has raised questions about the Clippers' commitment to retaining their star players.

The argument for offering George a longer contract is rooted in the franchise's desire to compete for a championship. With substantial investments in Leonard and now Harden, it is evident that the Clippers are committed to immediate success. Perhaps giving George a three-year contract would be a compromise that satisfies both parties.

The coming days will reveal the Clippers' true intentions as they face the decision of whether to maintain their hardline approach or accommodate George's desires. One can't help but wonder how Harden's decision to re-sign would have been affected if he knew George was on the verge of leaving.

As the NBA offseason unfolds, all eyes are on the Clippers as they navigate the delicate task of securing their core players while striving for championship contention.

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