Despite Sacrificing 42,295,265, Former NBA MVP’s Spot in Los Angeles Looks Unclear Amid Rampant Damian Lillard, James Harden Trade Rumors

The NBA offseason has brought both excitement and despair. The current free agency is full of talent. There’s always the cloud of trades hovering over the organization. Therefore, many players became primary movers and a part of balancing the trade assets. These scenarios emerge when a team is targeting a high-profile player. A lot of times it’s the high-profile player who is calling the shots.

In another such scenario involving Damian Lillard and James Harden, the future for a former NBA MVP looks murky.

Who will land Damian Lillard and James Harden?

In this era of the league, offenses focus on spreading out, and an elite shooter who averages around 30 is a magic chasm. In this era of the league, offenses focus on spreading out and an elite shooter who averages around 30 is a magic chasm. Ever since Damian Lillard revealed that he wants out of Portland Trail Blazers, the list of potential suitors keeps growing. Earlier, Miami Heat was emerging as the candidate, but now other teams have joined the list. One of these teams, the Los Angeles Clippers, is also looking to find a way to grab him. 

The Clippers are likely to part ways with the two-way duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard commands a salary of $44 million per year, while George also has a similar structure. With the duo failing mostly due to injuries, not extending them opens up the cap room. Considering that Lillard almost has an almost identical salary range, the franchise can achieve a balance.

In another fascinating development, as per The Athletic’s media stalwart Sam Amick, sharpshooting all-around Guard James Harden is “unhappy” with the 76ers organization and is looking for a trade. However, there are also reports that the Franchise wants the dribbling wizard for the next season.

If he moves elsewhere, Harden joins them around the $40 million range too. It means that the record books can be humbled if there is a trade involving these athletes. Then what about one of those players who was once counted as one of the best alongside them?

After signing a veteran-minimum type of two-year $7.86 million contract, which gives him just around $3.8 million a year, Russell Westbrook is in uncertain territories. His value is still higher than the vet-minimum, but taking a pay cut may not be beneficial if the team looks for other high-rated PGs.

Read more: “I’m Done, He Needs to Go Home”: Following Massive Kawhi Leonard Update, All Hell Breaks Loose in Studio with 20-Million-Rich NBA Analyst

Russell Westbrook is in tricky waters

After being one of the best players for years, Brodie has been in dire straits. His role has decreased, with him also seeing bench minutes and being off-the-floor in decisive minutes. For someone who won the MVP just six seasons ago, the current circumstances must hurt. Harden, Lillard, George, and Leonard touched the stars when he was an MVP-level player.

Currently, they are earning in a bracket north of $40 million.

But the Guard who earned more than $47 million till last season, has seen a reduction of more than $42 million a year. Ever since he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, things have gone south for him. The main questions are if he will be on the Clippers or even if he stays, will he see a big role in case either Harden or Lillard join?

Is there enough space for the heavily talented guard in the league, at least as a sixth man? Do share in the comments below.

Watch this story: Where Will Damian Lillard Go?