Harden is interesting to proprietor Steve Ballmer as a result of his future is instantly consistent with these of Leonard and George. He opted into the ultimate yr of his contract this offseason, foregoing free company and surrendering a number of leverage for himself and the 76ers within the course of. He could be coming to LA within the closing yr earlier than proprietor Ballmer opens Intuit Dome. Whereas the Clippers weigh potential extensions for Leonard and George, who every have participant choices after this season, Harden will likely be a 2024 free agent and isn’t eligible for an extension. So Harden would match the timeline of the Clippers’ present stars because the workforce enters what could possibly be their final likelihood with the Leonard-George core. -via The Athletic / October 18, 2023