Clippers linked to Future Hall of Famers as James Harden resigns with the team
- James Harden reportedly agrees to a 2-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.
- The Clippers are eyeing future Hall of Famers to potentially replace Russell Westbrook.
- Russell Westbrook's future with the Clippers remains uncertain.
In a significant move as NBA free agency commenced, James Harden is set to solidify his future with the Los Angeles Clippers by signing a lucrative two-year, $70 million deal, as reported by ESPN. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the second year. Harden, a superstar guard, orchestrated his departure from the Philadelphia 76ers before the 2023-24 season and was subsequently traded to the Clippers. During his time with the team, he showcased his skills in 72 games, averaging 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. Despite the Clippers finishing fourth in the Western Conference with a 51-31 record, their playoff journey was cut short by the Dallas Mavericks. The initial plan for the Clippers was to form a formidable trio consisting of Harden, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, aiming to establish a new powerhouse on the West Coast. However, the envisioned super team did not materialize as expected. While Leonard posted impressive regular-season stats of 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in 68 games, he was absent during the playoffs. George, on the other hand, played 74 regular-season games, averaging 22.6 points per game. Speculation surrounds George's future with the Clippers, with potential destinations including the 76ers, Golden State Warriors, or the Orlando Magic, according to NBA rumors. As Harden prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career with the Clippers, he will be 35 years old when the 2024-25 season commences. Meanwhile, in a separate development, LeBron James has opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers just two days after the team drafted his son, Bronny, as confirmed by his agent. With uncertainty surrounding Russell Westbrook's tenure with the Clippers, the team has been linked to discussions involving future Hall of Famers, adding intrigue to the evolving landscape of the NBA free agency period. Stay updated on the latest sports news by following Fox News Digital's coverage and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.