Harden tends to reject the option of 36.35 million! The Clippers create a new three giants? Can pack three people to exchange for maximum-paid stars

On June 4, the Clippers had a lot of work to do during the offseason, and HoopsHype brought a lot of updates about the Clippers. Harden tends to reject player options, but is expected to renew his contract with the Clippers. The Clippers can create a new Big Three roster by packing Powell, Bogdan and Jones in exchange for a top-paid star.

Clippers guard James Harden tends to refuse to implement his $36.35 million player option after being selected for the All-Star and entering the NBA All-Series third team. Sources said Harden and the Clippers are interested in continuing their partnership, and more people believe that his next contract may allow him to play in Los Angeles until the 2026-27 season, playing alongside Kawhi Leonard. Previously, salary expert Marks also said that Harden is likely to jump out of the contract and sign a new contract with the Clippers for another two years.

As a California native, Harden enjoyed his time back to his hometown to play for the Clippers and improved the team's bottom line of competitiveness. His performances, including key players such as Zubac and Norman Powell, have benefited from him.

Speaking of Powell, the 32-year-old defender will be eligible for a contract extension after a career-best season. However, since Powell's contract amount in the 2024-25 season was $20.48 million, the Clippers are not in a hurry to complete the contract renewal with him.

Sources said the Clippers hope to maintain significant cap space flexibility for the summer of 2027, and it is worth noting that by the 2027-28 season, they only had Zubac's $21 million contract to be guaranteed.

If needed, Powell's expiration contract is also a valuable bargaining chip, which can be used to acquire target players if the Clippers decide to turn to pursue stars this year's offseason or next season's trading deadline. Another notable trading chip is Bogdan Bogdanovic, who will be paid $16.02 million next season and a $16.02 million team option for the 2026-27 season.

After being traded from the Hawks to the Clippers, Bogdan shot 47.4% from the field and 42.7% from three-pointers in 30 games in the regular season.

HoopsHype pointed out that if the Clippers want to match a high-paying contract, it is feasible to combine Powell and Bogdan's contracts, essentially combining two expiring contracts to provide financial flexibility to any trading partner.

The Clippers can also try to trade a maximum-paid star by joining Derek Jones, who will be paid $10 million next season and $10.48 million in 2026-27, which will help complete salary matching. In theory, the Clippers could offer an unprotected first-round pick (2031) and two draft swap rights (2030 and 2032).

, a league source told HoopsHype that unless the above-mentioned large-scale deal is made, the Clippers are expected to use the full middle class special, with the goal of signing a backup point guard and a center who can defend and protect the rim. According to the market situation, it is not clear whether the middle class special case will be used for one player or split to multiple players to enhance the team's depth.

Substitute center Eubanks has a non-guaranteed contract of $4.75 million in the 2024-25 season and is not expected to stay in the team. Eubanks may be included in the trade as a salary filler or cut by the Clippers. There is also uncertainty about the return of Amir Kofi (depending on his situation in free agency) and Ben Simmons' stay and if he stays.

It is worth mentioning that the Clippers expect the 36-year-old French striker Batum to return to the lineup next season. Batum has $4.9 million in player options next season. He previously revealed in an interview that next season is likely to be his last season in the NBA.