This could be the double transfer of Harden - Kawhi that the Clippers are planning

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 news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Así puede ser el doble traspaso de Harden - Kawhi que los Clippers planean