In a major offseason development, James Harden is expected to decline his $36 million player option for the 2025–26 NBA season, positioning himself to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, league sources confirmed. The move signals a potentially transformative moment for both Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers, who had hoped to retain the former MVP for another run at contention alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Harden’s decision to opt out was long anticipated by insiders around the league, though it carries significant implications. While the 34-year-old guard has made it clear that he values stability and a legitimate shot at a championship, he’s also expected to seek a longer-term deal with more security as he enters the final chapters of his storied career. The Clippers, who acquired Harden in a blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2023–24 season, now face the possibility of losing a key playmaker unless they can successfully negotiate a new contract or orchestrate a
