Los Angeles Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard (2) within the second half of Recreation 7 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff collection Saturday, Could 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photograph/David Zalubowski)
INGLEWOOD, California — Kawhi Leonard is wholesome going into the offseason for the primary time since 2020, having performed simply 37 video games earlier than the Los Angeles Clippers misplaced within the first spherical of the NBA playoffs. The staff with the oldest roster within the league is staking its future on the two-time Finals MVP and All-Star James Harden.
“I positively consider in these two,” Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, stated Monday.
READ: NBA: Nuggets advance with Recreation 7 laughter over surprised Clippers
Leonard didn’t make his season debut till January whereas coping with irritation in his surgically repaired proper knee. He averaged 21.5 factors, 6.4 rebounds and three.1 assists whereas enjoying 31.9 minutes nightly within the common season. He has two years left on his present deal.
“There’s one other degree for him on the market that he’s going to get to subsequent yr,” stated Frank, who spoke by way of video from New York, the place he’s coping with a household medical problem. “I feel taking a look at subsequent yr that we could be higher with extra video games from Kawhi.”
Initially signed to enhance Leonard and now former Clipper Paul George, Harden ‘s position modified this season. He was tasked with selecting up a lot of the load till Leonard was capable of play. He responded with averages of twenty-two.8 factors, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds. He averaged a team-high 35 minutes whereas enjoying in 79 video games.
However he disappeared within the staff’s blowout loss to Denver in Recreation 7 of the playoffs with seven factors on 2 for 8 capturing and 13 assists.
The Clippers didn’t advance out of the primary spherical for the third straight season, regardless of going 50-32 and incomes the fifth seed within the rugged Western Convention of their first season on the new Intuit Dome.
READ: NBA: Clippers pressure Recreation 7 with gritty win over Nuggets
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) within the second half of Recreation 7 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff collection Saturday, Could 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photograph/David Zalubowski)
“Our gamers are embarrassed about Recreation 7 they usually’re actually, actually upset that we misplaced the collection,” Frank stated.
Harden has a participant possibility for subsequent season, when he’ll be 36. Frank stated he’s given no consideration to Harden not sticking round.
“We’ve a fantastic degree of appreciation for what James did this yr,” he stated. “I’m getting in with the intent that if he doesn’t choose up his possibility that we’re going to have the ability to attain an settlement that works properly for James and works properly for the Clippers.”
Nicolas Batum additionally has a participant possibility for subsequent season. He shot 43% from 3-point vary in 78 regular-season video games.
“Sure, 1000%, we hope that Nico comes again,” Frank stated.
READ: NBA: Clippers earn No. 5 seed, relegate Warriors to play-in
The Clippers bought profession years from Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell, who was injured popping out of the All-Star break.
Powell is eligible for an extension, whereas Amir Coffey and Ben Simmons are unrestricted free brokers.
Frank envisions the Clippers successful 50 to 55 video games subsequent season whereas getting entrance court docket assist and one other playmaker by means of free company or trades.
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“It was nice that we have been wholesome for the primary time in a very long time, however that doesn’t imply you solely get one shot at it,” Frank stated. “We’ll carry on taking cracks at it and on the identical time, we’ve at all times been open-minded and studying the errors of our means and discovering areas the place we will right them and get higher.”
