Clippers Ready to Move On From Both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden

The Los Angeles Clippers have long invested big hopes and enormous resources in building around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. In the summer of 2023–24, the organization made aggressive moves to reload the roster, re‑signing Harden, adding stars like Bradley Beal, and surrounding them with veteran depth. Yet persistent injuries, disappointments in the postseason, and the recent Aspiration scandal have pushed the Clippers’ front office to question whether the current dual‑superstar model is sustainable. Now, new reporting suggests the Clippers are ready to move on from both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, preparing for a fresh era when both contracts expire in 2026‑27.

The Toll of Injuries and Missed Opportunities

Since joining the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard has been plagued by health issues. Over 472 possible regular‑season games, Leonard has missed 206 due to a torn ACL, knee inflammation, and meniscus ruptures. Availability has become a constant concern. Meanwhile, though James Harden has been more durable, his peak performance has noticeably declined, and Harden has not delivered the championship ring the franchise sought when acquiring him.

When the duo is healthy, they still carry star power. But the inability to sustain health and high performance together has left gaps in playoff outcomes, reducing fan confidence and straining organizational patience. Executives inside the team reportedly believe that although Leonard and Harden remain under contract through 2026‑27, the Clippers’ focus is gradually shifting away from building around them.

Offseason Moves Signal a Shift in Strategy

During the recent offseason, the Clippers made bold plays: re‑signing James Harden and adding experienced players like Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal, John Collins, and even bringing in Chris Paul. These moves were designed to maximize the “prime window” for Leonard and Harden. Yet, even as the roster glimmers with potential, the Claude Holmes / Baxter Holmes reports reveal bad optics — particularly around the Aspiration endorsement deal, linked to Leonard, and its impact on internal trust.

Financially, the Clippers are also preparing. They anticipate large cap space in both the 2026 and 2027 offseasons. Preserving salary cap flexibility has become a priority, especially given restrictions like the second apron. That priority suggests the team is willing to let expensive, high‑maintenance contracts run out rather than extend or heavily rely on them.

The Reality of Contract Expirations

Both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have contracts that are set to expire after the 2026‑27 season. Executives around the league believe Leonard will see out his deal but with diminishing support once it ends. For Harden, although there is no public confirmation, insiders suggest the Clippers are less likely to offer him another max‑or near‑max extension.

A report from Baxter Holmes of ESPN states that the organization has shifted focus. “They’re done building around Kawhi,” said a former team staffer. The same source indicated the front office is preparing for a post‑Leonard, post‑Harden era. The goal: entering the 2026‑27 offseason with enough cap room and roster pieces to chase new stars.

Internal Frustration and Leadership Signals

Internal tensions have reportedly grown. Team staffers are said to be fatigued by Leonard’s injuries and unpredictability, which affect not just game availability but also team culture and planning. Similarly, Harden’s declining performance in clutch moments has sparked questions about his role as a long‑term cornerstone.

Leadership in the front office appears to recognize these concerns. With hard salary dollars tied up, the Clippers face limitations on using financial flexibility to acquire complementary pieces. Some internal voices believe that extending Harden or relying further on Leonard beyond 2026 would saddle the team with diminishing returns.

Why Moving On Might Be the Best Move

There are several reasons why the Clippers may benefit from phasing out both Leonard and Harden:

• Preserving salary cap flexibility enables the team to be aggressive in free agency in 2026 and 2027.

• Reducing risk tied to injury and availability ensures the team can build around more reliable stars or younger talents.

• Resetting the roster around new foundational pieces could reinvigorate team chemistry and culture.

• Avoiding the distraction of off‑court controversies reduces negative headlines and fan unrest.

Given the cost of missed games, playoff failures, and public scrutiny, the Clippers’ front office may view a clean break as less risky than continued underperformance.

Counterarguments: Can Leonard or Harden Salvage Their Time?

Despite the push toward a fresh era, there are counterarguments. Kawhi Leonard when healthy still delivers elite two‑way play, leadership, and credibility. Fans and analysts note that Leonard’s past playoff successes and hard‑earned reputation carry weight.

James Harden, moreover, still has seasons of high assist and scoring potential. If Harden and Leonard both stay relatively healthy and the Clippers can surround them with effective role players, contention remains possible, particularly in a Western Conference where balance, depth, and momentum matter.

Also, neither player has publicly asked for out, nor have the Clippers made official announcements about moving on. Team politics, public perception, and contractual realities mean any transition will likely be gradual rather than sudden.

What Happens Next: Possible Scenarios

Several scenarios are emerging for the Clippers:

• Scenario A: Let both Leonard and Harden play out their contracts through 2026‑27, then embark on a full roster reset.

• Scenario B: Trade one or both players earlier if a suitable offer appears, recovering value before they decline or injuries worsen.

• Scenario C: Try to rework one player’s contract to reduce burden while maintaining competitiveness in the short term.

Each path has risks. Waiting until contracts expire may leave the team stagnant. Trading early might yield less-than-desired return, especially given health concerns. Restructuring deals can be complicated under the rules of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Implications for Clippers’ Legacy and Fan Base

For the Los Angeles Clippers, moving past Leonard and Harden represents more than just roster decisions. It’s about identity. The organization has built its aspirations around championship hopes with these two at the center. Admitting that the chapter is closing may be emotionally difficult for fans and leadership alike.

Fan bases may feel disappointed or betrayed, especially those who believed building around Leonard and Harden would deliver the elusive NBA Finals appearance. There is also a public relations effort required to explain the shift, soften perceptions of giving up, and manage expectations.

Conclusion: A New Era Looms

The evidence suggests that the Los Angeles Clippers are preparing to move on from both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Persistent injuries, diminishing returns, and financial constraints have combined with the desire for strategic flexibility and a fresh start.

While the contracts for Leonard and Harden run through 2026‑27, internal sentiments and offseason moves point toward a transition. The Clippers are likely laying the groundwork for a reset—a reimagined roster, renewed identity, and new foundation for success.

If managed well, this transition could be the start of a healthier, more consistent future for the Clippers. But if not, the franchise risks slipping into a prolonged period of mediocrity, unable to capitalize on superstar prestige without substance. For now, one thing is clear: the era of building solely around Leonard and Harden may be coming to an end.