James Harden Signing $81.5 Million Extension with Clippers Has Fans Fuming: “To Choke in the Playoffs Again”

James Harden was one of the better players for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, but could not help them move into the 2nd round.

James Harden Signing $81.5 Million Extension with Clippers Has Fans Fuming: “To Choke in the Playoffs Again”

James Harden signs new 2-year, $81.5 million deal (Image via FirstSportz)

James Harden has been an elite guard for more than a decade. Now, as part of the Los Angeles Clippers, he has the advantage of playing in his hometown, while also competing on a contender. Last season, his performances were worth the faith the franchise instilled in him.

As the primary point guard, the 35-year-old runs their offense as per what head coach Ty Lue wants. He was responsible for bringing the best out of Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac. Once Kawhi Leonard returned healthy, the team became one of the best in the league.

In the 1st round, they used that form to push the Denver Nuggets to seven games. However, in that last game, they could not keep up with the 2023 champions and bowed out disappointingly. Many analysts had hoped the Clippers had received another draw to help stay in the playoffs.

Their hopes for this season would be to either position themselves better than they were last time, and hope to land a favorable 1st round matchup. However, they also need to bring in reinforcements to become better than last season.

Even though they have not made a splash in free agency or the trade market so far, the Clippers decided to lock in one of their prime contributors. As per ESPN’s Shams Charania, they offered James Harden a 2-year, $81.5 million contract.

The 11-time All-Star promptly signed the deal after declining his $35 million player option for next season. This new deal increases his yearly average by $5.75 million. It might not be an exorbitant amount in today’s NBA terms, but many felt it was unnecessary.

Fans shake their heads after Clippers offer James Harden bigger deal

Had James Harden opted into his existing player option, the Los Angeles Clippers might have had that $5 million to spend on a mid-level exception player that could have helped them. Fans believe handing the inconsistent superstar a bigger and longer deal makes no sense.

They have seen the 6′ 5″ guard struggle in series-defining playoff games over and over again. He has yet to prove that he can rise to the occasion in crunch moments and should have waited to see if he can deliver before handing him that deal. Check out examples of such comments below.

James Harden might have a chip on his shoulder is driving him to do whatever it takes to win his first NBA title. However, basketball fans have seen him structure deals to benefit himself at the expense of the team at various points of his career.

Therefore, they wonder how the Clippers did not see this coming and did what was needed to strengthen the team. The Western Conference is stronger than ever, and its rivals will be looking to become better over this offseason.

James Harden and Clippers might find it tougher next season

Once Kawhi Leonard came back from injury, the Los Angeles Clippers’ form was enough for a few analysts to believe they were going to be a problem in the playoffs. But in losing in the 1st round to the Denver Nuggets, they have revealed problems not seen in the regular season.

Clippers' squad will need more than Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to succeed
Clippers’ squad will need more than Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to succeed (Image via Clippers/X)

As much as Leonard can elevate them, his availability is a concern. They have seen players try and overcome that, but they could only do so much until his return. Heading into next season, the West’s best teams are going to get stronger.

Therefore, it would be foolhardy for a team paying that much money to an oft-injured superstar and another aging All-Star to not conserve money and invest in reinforcements. With free agency open, their fans would want the team to do what is necessary to fight for a title.

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