Image Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“We Were Very, Very Happy” – Clippers President Dismisses Exit Talk of 2 Franchise Stars

Image Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Clippers had a tough ending to the season, going out in the game 7 of the playoffs’ series against the Denver Nuggets. Star players James Harden and Kawhi Leonard failed to take their side into the next round. Harden’s performance has especially been under public scrutiny.

The 35-year-old had another disastrous game 7 of his career, making just 7 points in 35 minutes of action. Kawhi Leonard put on a decent show with 22 points, but even he was unable to take the Clippers beyond the line. The visitors were 8 out of 27 from beyond the arc, with a conversion percentage of just 29.6.

James Harden has now lost a Game 7 with 4 different teams. pic.twitter.com/4TPtkbPV4J
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 4, 2025

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Grim faces followed as Clippers failed another NBA title pursuit. With the average age of the current side, their window for a title bid is closing rapidly. No doubt that the front office needs to move mountains in order to make the side stronger and consistent.

However, the Clippers don’t have an appetite for adding game changing players. Their veteran players like Harden and Kawhi Leonard are on massive contracts. James Harden in this season was on $36 million while Klaw almost earns an average of $50 million on his current contract.

Clippers Face Tough Offseason Questions

With the off season approaching, rumors around the current roster have already started. Given James Harden’s performance in the game 7, rumors suggest that Clippers may start to look elsewhere. However, the franchise’s President has put the trade rumors of their stars to rest.

Lawrence Frank discussing the stars future said, “We were very, very happy with everything we wanted from James, we got it and then some. At his age, to deliver what he did, we have a deep appreciation for that. In Kawhi’s sense, he (rehabs) times ten. There’s another level for him out there.”

While quashing any off season moves for James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, Lawrence also appreciated the efforts from the two. Especially, while talking about Klaw, the franchise President suggested the forward has potential to level his game further in the coming future.

However, with Harden being 35 and Leonard turning 34 next month, LA Clippers will need to think of a rebuild as well. There is already a decline in James Harden’s game and with many young guards available, Clippers needs to start thinking beyond their veteran as well.