After a rollercoaster 2024–25 NBA season, the Los Angeles Clippers doubled down on their veteran core,
re-signing James Harden to a two-year, $81.5 million contract. The move, while unsurprising in terms of loyalty and continuity, invites scrutiny when viewed through the lens of performance, postseason success, and long-term roster construction. With 12 players currently under contract, including Drew Eubanks and Jordan Miller on non-guaranteed deals, the Clippers sit approximately $22 million below the lower luxury tax apron. That financial flexibility should allow them to bring back Nicolas Batum, who declined his $4.9 million player option, and still make use of their $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception this offseason.