The Los Angeles Clippers are still processing the fallout from their brutal Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets, a game that seemed to encapsulate every long-standing concern about the team’s postseason shortcomings. In a performance that did little to silence critics, James Harden scored just seven points in the season-ending defeat—further fueling questions about his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
Despite the disappointment, the Clippers don’t appear ready to tear things down. With an aging roster and mounting uncertainty, owner Steve Ballmer’s willingness to spend remains a major factor shaping the franchise’s path forward.
James Harden Predicted To Align With Los Angeles Clippers Star
Clippers insider Law Murray of The Athletic recently shared his view on how the organization might approach the offseason. Speaking on HoopsHype’s YouTube channel with Yossi Gozlan, Murray predicted Harden would opt out of his current deal—but not necessarily walk away.
“I just expect James Harden to opt out and get a deal that lines up with Kawhi Leonard,” Murray said. “And that would make 2027 the big year to really look at something. So I think that’s really their avenue. You’re not paying three stars. You’re not paying a whole lot for the two that you have.”
The implication: rather than pursue a third expensive star, the Clippers may look to ride out the Kawhi-Harden pairing through the next couple of seasons—particularly with Paul George’s future no longer tethered to theirs following his exit from L.A.
Harden’s regular season was, by many accounts, a pleasant surprise. He looked more like his old self, stabilizing the Clippers’ offense and helping them outperform expectations. But his postseason struggles—especially in Game 7—have once again called into question his long-term viability as a go-to playoff performer.
Even so, the Clippers appear committed to continuity over chaos. Harden had strong showings earlier in the playoffs, and his steady play throughout the season suggests he could still be a foundational piece, particularly in the short term.
And with no clear appetite from the front office to blow things up, the franchise seems poised to give its current core at least one more shot.
After all, LA is no stranger to high-stakes roster moves. Their ambitious pursuit of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in 2019 was driven by the same win-now mindset that still defines their approach today. Whether or not that core ever delivers a championship remains to be seen—but for now, a rebuild isn’t on the table.