This could be the double transfer of Harden - Kawhi that the Clippers are planning
According to an NBA executive, the value of the two franchise stars in Los Angeles is very clear
The poor start of the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2025-26 NBA season has raised all alarms within the franchise. With the team out of playoff contention and without their unprotected first-round pick —which will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder—, the front office starts to consider scenarios that may involve a deep restructuring, including possible trades of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
Within NBA executive circles, the perception is clear: moving Harden would be much easier than finding a market for Leonard. "Harden has a rather neutral value. Kawhi, right now, has negative value," noted a scout from the Eastern Conference.
The reasons are multiple. Harden, with a player option of 42 million for 2026-27, has shown durability and a competitive level close to an All-Star, making him more attractive to teams seeking immediate impact. Leonard, on the other hand, faces a salary of 50 million, a history of injuries raising long-term doubts, and an ongoing league investigation into a sponsorship contract, factors complicating any negotiation.
In Los Angeles, they are not only evaluating the present. The franchise has started planning for 2027, a year in which both Harden and Leonard could leave the team. The league is also heading towards a star-studded free agency that summer, making regaining salary flexibility a priority. Currently, Ivica Zubac is the only player with guaranteed money for 2027-28.
A clear summary
An assistant manager sums it up: "There are many ways to leverage salary cap space. If this core no longer instills confidence, having room to rebuild in a year changes the perspective, just as Phoenix did when rejuvenating their roster."
The Clippers are also considering short-term maneuvers, like shedding 6.7 million to fall below the luxury tax threshold and avoid repeat penalties. Amid a complicated season, Los Angeles' moves could set the course for their medium-term project.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Así puede ser el doble traspaso de Harden - Kawhi que los Clippers planean
