Can Clippers Accommodate James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George? Luxury Tax Aftermath of The Beard’s Latest Announcement

The Los Angeles Clippers‘ run in this season has been a surprise package. Up until they traded in James Harden, the team looked less threatening. But a lot has changed since his arrival, as they went on to become one of the most lethal teams of the season. However, the question is, will they sustain these big names in their roster for long? This especially popped up after the recent Harden update following Kawhi Leonard’s contract extension.

A few days ago, The Klaw extended his affiliation with the Clippers for three more years. Notably, this update came in along with the hint that the management is currently working out a contract extension with Paul George as well. This leaves the front office with a herculean task to accommodate all three big names. Let’s find out the possibilities below.

Does the James Harden update leave the Clippers in a tough spot?

Even though Kawhi Leonard was eligible for a four-year extension worth around $223 million, he settled for a 3-year extension. This hints at the sacrificial move to accommodate the two big names in the team for longer. Paul George, who is currently eligible for an extension, and James Harden, who will be a free agent after this season, are expected to stick around with the team.

While there was still time for Harden to reflect on his decision, a recent update revealed that he wants to end his career with the Clippers. As an aftermath of these riveting updates, the front office has to lay out a plan to satisfy these players with max contracts, keeping the cap space in mind. However, the NBA has an upside that some of the top leagues don’t—the luxury tax.

Generally, a league wouldn’t allow its franchises to spend more than their purse value, but in the NBA, the team can go above the cap but also should take a hit of the luxury tax.

Given that the Clippers have three players to accommodate, it might still need a player to sacrifice to keep the trio intact on the roster.

Read More – James Harden and the Clippers Pay Tribute to Martin Luther King With His Special Message: “Time Is Always Right..”

Whom do you think will make the sacrifice? Let’s find out.

Who can sacrifice for the greater good of the franchise?

In short, it could be anyone. In fact, Kawhi Leonard has already sacrificed by only extending his contract to three years instead of four. And, Paul George’s upcoming update will deliver the final answer. In the meantime, the Clippers already have Russell Westbrook, who made a sacrifice to find a spot in the roster with a meagre contract worth $7.8 million.

Importantly, it’s too early for the Clippers to celebrate, as the league has faced a similar situation earlier involving Harden. In 2021, Kevin Durant signed 4-year-extension with the Brooklyn Nets with the confidence that Harden and Kyrie Irving would stick around with him. But either of them extended their contract for various reasons.

Similarly, as Harden has to wait till the end of the season to draw up a contract with the Clippers, the fans have to wait till then to celebrate.

Watch This Story – Will Alperen Sengun Become the First All-Star Out of Houston Since James Harden?

What do you make of the proceeding in the Clippers dugout? Let us know in the comments below.