The investigation Kawhi is facing could directly impact veteran James Harden’s minutes and… more

The Los Angeles Clippers are once again facing turbulence, and this time, it goes beyond injuries or on-court chemistry. The Kawhi Leonard investigation, launched over allegations of cap circumvention and endorsement irregularities, has introduced a new layer of complexity to the franchise’s 2025-26 campaign. While the investigation is still ongoing, its ramifications could go far beyond Leonard himself — especially when it comes to the minutes and performance expectations placed on James Harden.

If Kawhi Leonard is forced to miss extended time — whether due to league action, internal discipline, or precautionary absences — the weight of keeping the Clippers competitive will almost certainly fall on Harden’s shoulders once again.

James Harden’s Heavy Workload: A Growing Concern

James Harden, an 11-time All-Star and former MVP, was expected to share leadership duties with Leonard and Paul George this season. However, with Leonard’s availability now uncertain, Harden may be called upon to carry the offensive load across a full 82-game season — much like he did in parts of last year.

Last season, Harden averaged over 35 minutes per game across more than 70 contests. Though he posted solid numbers, the physical toll became evident during the playoffs. According to Law Murray of The Athletic, there are growing internal concerns about whether Harden can sustain such a high usage rate without a steep decline in production — especially given his age and mileage.

The Clippers’ coaching staff, led by Tyronn Lue, must now consider whether repeating this workload is sustainable or even wise. But if Leonard is sidelined for any length of time, there may be no alternative.

The Marcus Morris Sr. and Reggie Jackson Comparison

The Clippers have seen this story unfold before — albeit on a smaller scale. Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris Sr., once vital rotation players, experienced significant role shifts after their time with the Detroit Pistons. In Detroit, both players had clear roles: Morris was a stretch-four and primary scorer in spurts, while Jackson was a lead ball-handler.

In Los Angeles, both players were used differently. Instead of being part of defined offensive sets, they became floor spacers, sometimes over-relied upon for defensive stops or off-the-dribble creation. The result? Gradual, visible decline. Their roles faded, their production dropped, and eventually, their minutes were cut entirely.

Now, the concern is that Harden — while on a much higher payroll — may follow a similar trajectory. If he is asked to shoulder an unrealistic workload in the absence of Leonard, the wear and tear could lead to diminishing returns as the season progresses.

Harden’s Superstar Paycheck Raises the Stakes

Unlike Morris and Jackson, James Harden is being paid like an All-NBA superstar. That distinction is significant because it limits the Clippers’ flexibility. If Harden begins to decline under the pressure of extended minutes and increased responsibility, head coach Tyronn Lue may not be able to simply “pull him from the rotation” as he did with role players in previous seasons.

Doing so would not only create a major on-court gap but could also send shockwaves through the locker room and the fan base. It would raise uncomfortable questions about the front office’s roster management and long-term planning.

If Kawhi Leonard’s availability remains questionable due to the ongoing investigation, and if Harden falters under the increased load, the Clippers could find themselves facing a crisis of depth and identity.

Clippers’ History of Overusing Veterans

One of the harshest criticisms levied at the Clippers over the past few years is their reliance on aging veterans to play above their means. This strategy may have made sense in the short term, especially when the team was decimated by injuries, but it has proven unsustainable.

Veterans like Nicolas Batum, Serge Ibaka, and Eric Bledsoe were all tasked with filling oversized roles when star players were unavailable. While some stepped up admirably, the overall impact was often short-lived. The team found itself running players into the ground during the regular season and then falling flat in the playoffs.

Now, with James Harden turning 36 during the 2025-26 campaign, asking him to play 35+ minutes across more than 70 games seems like another repeat of the same flawed pattern.

The Impact of Kawhi Leonard’s Investigation on Clippers’ Game Plan

The investigation into Kawhi Leonard’s alleged no-show endorsement deal and potential salary cap violations could result in a range of outcomes. Whether it’s a formal suspension, internal load management, or the Clippers voluntarily sitting Leonard to avoid further controversy, the effect on team strategy could be substantial.

Every missed game by Leonard means more minutes and responsibility for Harden. And while Harden has shown flashes of brilliance in recent seasons, the Clippers can’t afford for him to burn out before April. If the Clippers truly want to contend in the Western Conference, they must find a way to preserve Harden’s energy for the postseason.

Depth Issues: A Lingering Problem for the Clippers

The Clippers’ roster depth has been in question for multiple seasons. With role players over 30 being thrust into first- or second-option duties during past injuries, the team has often lacked a solid backup plan. If Kawhi Leonard is unavailable, and James Harden declines, the Clippers may find themselves once again relying on limited options to compete.

While Terance Mann, Bones Hyland, and Brandon Boston Jr. offer some promise, none are currently built to absorb the heavy offensive responsibility that Leonard or Harden carries. This lack of contingency planning could leave the Clippers vulnerable in a stacked Western Conference.

Possible Solutions: Managing Harden’s Minutes

If the Clippers want to avoid the same fate they experienced with players like Morris Sr. and Jackson, they need to start managing James Harden’s minutes more carefully. That might mean investing more trust in younger players or reconfiguring the offensive system to reduce reliance on Harden as a primary initiator.

Another potential solution would be adding depth via trades or the waiver wire — especially if the investigation drags on and Leonard’s availability remains inconsistent. Without another high-usage player to ease the burden, the Clippers are essentially walking a tightrope with no safety net.

Long-Term Implications for Clippers’ Roster Construction

The current scenario serves as a cautionary tale for how the Clippers have constructed their roster. Heavy investments in aging stars like Leonard, Harden, and George have left little room for margin of error. Now, with one star under investigation and another possibly facing physical decline, the team may be forced into a rebuild sooner than anticipated.

In today’s NBA, successful franchises often rely on developmental depth and strategic minute management. The Clippers, in contrast, have often leaned on top-heavy talent. This strategy may win headlines, but without sustained health and availability, it rarely leads to championships.

Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Season for James Harden and the Clippers

As the Kawhi Leonard investigation continues to unfold, its ripple effects are already being felt across the Clippers’ organization. At the heart of it is James Harden, whose ability to perform at an All-NBA level for one more full season could be the difference between playoff contention and early elimination — or worse, a lottery finish.

The Clippers must now make critical decisions not just about Leonard’s future but about how they utilize and protect Harden moving forward. With the postseason in mind and history as a guide, the path forward must be one of caution, foresight, and adaptability.