Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

How James Harden’s Sacrifice helped LA Clippers to make Formidable Roster in Pursuit of NBA Title?

President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank admired James Harden for making contributions in building a roster.

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The 11-time All-Star, James Harden is becoming a big player for the Los Angeles Clippers over the last two years. Ahead of the season 2025-26, Harden made a sacrifice for the team in pursuit of the NBA Championship which was missed last season. The Clippers had a solid regular season but they couldn’t sustain in the playoffs and lost to the Nuggets 4-3.

James Harden denied a bigger contract to help the Clippers make a solid roster for the new season. Los Angeles was struggling to make offers for the new players due to Harden’s hefty contract. The 2018 NBA MVP provided a better flexibility with the contracts Clippers offer to players.

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Clippers President Credits James Harden’s Contract Move in Building a New Roster for Upcoming Season

Harden’s contract move helped the Clippers to get two magnificent signings. Los Angeles signed Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks and later, they acquired Bradley Beal off waivers. It was only possible due to the money they saved from Harden’s contract.

The NBA legend has his mind set on one thing which is the NBA Championship. Harden is yet to win the NBA title in his career. The 35-year-old reached the NBA Finals in 2011 in just his second season in the league with the OKC Thunder, but missed out the glory. Harden is now looking to win the championship with the Clippers.

4 years ago today James Harden had 32 straight 30 point games, which had only been done by Wilt Chamberlain before.

This is one of the most impressive streaks in sports history. pic.twitter.com/FsVjty5Qom
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) February 22, 2023

President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank admired James Harden for making contributions in building a roster and talked about his willingness for the title. Clippers got Brook Lopez, who could be a good option at center behind Ivica Zubac. On the other hand, Bradley Beal will take a role into Norman Powell’s former spot.

“So, without James, we can’t even get Brad (Beal), because we wouldn’t have use of the full MLE. So that allowed us to get Brook (Lopez) and Brad because of the way James (Harden) structured his contract,” Frank spoke to the media about Harden’s sacrifices.

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Los Angeles Clippers also acquired their former player and the NBA legend Chris Paul, who played alongside James Harden at Hornets. Paul appears destined for a bench role after starting all 82 games last season. Clippers are aiming for the toughest task of winning the NBA championship and they have the tools to reach the glory next season.

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

James Harden

Los Angeles Clippers

NBA 2025-26

Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.