The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves in a familiar position: with an early exit from the playoffs and difficult decisions looming this offseason. The team’s barely-there postseason run has revealed the pressing need for a strategic overhaul. Aging superstars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are at the forefront of the conversation, but the truth is, the Clippers may lack the assets needed to make substantial upgrades without parting ways with one of their key players or Ivica Zubac.
On the other hand, the Houston Rockets also faced an early playoff exit, prompting their fans to reflect on the team’s current foundation. While there’s hope surrounding the existing core, particularly in the backcourt, significant adjustments could be in order. The future of Jalen Green in Houston remains uncertain, and a potential reunion with Harden could be in the cards.
In the 2025 season, James Harden returned to the Clippers on a two-year, $70 million contract, stepping up to fill the leadership void left by Leonard’s injuries. He put together a solid regular season, notching averages of 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. However, the playoffs told a different story for Harden. As the Clippers squared off against the Denver Nuggets in the first round, hopes were high. Unfortunately, in a decisive Game 7, Harden struggled mightily, scoring just 7 points on 2-of-8 shooting, although he did contribute 13 assists and 5 rebounds. Ultimately, the Clippers fell short with a 120–101 loss, further complicating Harden’s already troubling playoff reputation.
Harden’s postseason legacy has been a topic of debate, particularly as he navigates his fourth team in his playoff career. With a Game 7 record of 3–4 and an average of just 17.5 points coupled with a shooting percentage of 33.8%, his ability to deliver in crucial moments continues to be questioned. Now at 36, the window for an NBA championship grows slimmer. Despite his myriad accolades, including an MVP award and 11 All-Star selections, Harden needs to confront his playoff demons if he hopes to lead the Clippers to their first-ever NBA title.
As the organization looks ahead, the front office must evaluate all options, including the prospect of trading Kawhi Leonard. While the thought of moving on from a player of Leonard’s caliber is daunting, several factors complicate the situation. First, his trade value may not reflect his talent, with his history of injuries making teams hesitant to surrender valuable assets. Secondly, the allure of his hometown in Los Angeles weighs heavily in his scenario—players like Leonard often regard where they play as pivotal to their career satisfaction.
Instead of pursuing a trade that might deliver mid-tier assets, the Clippers may be better served by sticking with Leonard and their current lineup in hopes of a healthier run next season.
On the other side of things, the notion of Harden returning to the Rockets is intriguing. At 35, he might not hold the superstar status he once did, yet he could still elevate Houston’s offense. The Rockets are building around Amen Thompson as a long-term solution at guard, and teaming him with a dynamic scorer like Harden may provide the necessary spark.
Fred VanVleet’s impressive playoff contributions, averaging 19 points per game on a stellar 43.5% shooting from beyond the arc, also position him as a key variable in Houston’s future plans.
While Harden’s initial departure from the Rockets may have been marred by some turmoil, much of that was fueled by front office decisions rather than personal issues. Given the right circumstances, a return to Houston could not only be beneficial for Harden but significantly impact the Rockets as they look to compete in the ever-evolving NBA landscape.
As both franchises contemplate their futures, it’s clear that significant changes are afoot, and how each maneuver could reshape the competitive balance in the league. Fans will certainly be watching closely as the offseason unfolds.
