Harden quickly renewed his contract with the Clippers for two years and $70 million, is this a return to the new owner or a dark position?

Beiqing Sports

2024-07-01 10:58Beiqing Sports News official account

On July 1, Beijing time, U.S. media reported that the Clippers had completed a two-year contract extension with Harden for a total of $70 million. Allegedly, Harden's negotiations with the Clippers went well, so the two sides quickly reached an agreement on a contract extension. However, it is doubtful whether Harden's quick decision was the right one. Paul George has informed the Clippers that he will sign with another team, so it is almost impossible for the Clippers to challenge for a championship just by relying on "Glass Man" Leonard and Harden to lead.

Harden signed his final year of contract last summer, but has since requested a trade from the 76ers. Harden claims to have been deceived by the 76ers on the issue of a contract extension. After that, the 76ers traded with the Clippers, and Harden was traded to Los Angeles. It's Harden's hometown, and he's having a great time playing here. Last season, Harden's role for the Clippers was clear, especially in the days when Leonard was injured, and Harden turned on a stronger scoring pattern, which largely compensated for the adverse effects of Leonard's absence. What's even more pleasing to the Clippers is that Harden has made a lot of positive changes since he arrived, such as playing more off-ball tactics and shooting with good results. These changes have also kept Harden's points per game average and game efficiency at a high level.

Objectively speaking, Harden's career has long passed its prime. For Harden at this stage of his career, he hopes to join forces with supergiants to attack the championship. From the Nets before him, to the 76ers after that, and now to the Clippers, Harden has followed the same path.

This summer, Harden's contract expired, and the Clippers wanted Harden to stay, mainly in response to Leonard's recurring injury problems. And Harden quickly agreed to a contract extension. Judging from the length and amount of the renewal, this renewal contract is still very sincere, and it is also in line with the psychological expectations of the beard. However, was it really a wise decision for Harden to agree to a contract extension so quickly?

George has now decided to jump out of the final year of his contract and has become a full free agent. The Clippers did not offer George a four-year contract extension with a maximum salary, and George became a "sweet spot" in the free agent market. Currently, teams like the 76ers, Lakers, Magic, and others are chasing George. According to the latest reports, George has told the Clippers that he will be signing with other teams.

With the Clippers losing George, with Leonard's current physical condition, it is difficult to expect him to continue to output as the core of the team. Although Harden can maintain a high level of playing ability, the strength of his single-core team has dropped significantly. Without George, the Clippers' roster is in the middle of the league.

It can be seen that Harden's decision to renew his contract with the Clippers may have been a bit rushed. Of course, Harden could also repeat his old trick and request a trade mid-season to find a more competitive team to play for. After all, he had done this a few times before, and he was already familiar with it.

Text/Beiqing Sports Song Xiang

View original image 100K

• 

•