James Harden is once again proving that winning means more to him than money. The Los Angeles Clippers‘ bold offseason makeover, which now includes the additions of Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez, would not have been possible without Harden’s selfless decision to take a pay cut.
That singular move may have quietly set the stage for the Clippers’ best chance yet to chase the elusive championship they’ve long coveted.
After declining his player option for the 2025–26 season, Harden re-signed with the Clippers on a two-year, $81.5 million deal, a figure well below his market max. The move wasn’t just symbolic.
According to team president Lawrence Frank:
“So, without James, we can’t even get Brad, because we wouldn’t have use of the full MLE. So that allowed us to get Brook and Brad because of the way James structured his contract. Two, the way he’s structured his contract in year two gives us flexibility that if we want to have max space, we can choose to do so.”
“He’s been great in that sense, he’s also been great in that he’s very, very proactive. When word was out that Brad may get a buyout and we were allowed to talk to Brad, James was the first one, well let me call him. And willing to do anything. So, all James cares about is winning.”
Harden’s decision gave the franchise access to the full mid-level exception and opened up financial flexibility that allowed them to sign Brook Lopez early in free agency. But the real domino came when Harden helped close the deal on three-time All-Star Bradley Beal.
Beal, who reached a buyout with the Phoenix Suns after a disappointing run, agreed to join the Clippers on a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option. League insiders say Harden was instrumental in Beal’s recruitment, even holding a personal 30-minute conversation with him.
This isn’t the first time Harden has taken less money to help build a contender. He made a similar gesture in Philadelphia, hoping to free up space for Daryl Morey to add depth. That situation ended in controversy, but the principle was the same: Harden is willing to sacrifice if he believes in the team. And this time, it seems he genuinely does.
Now, the Clippers have gone from a team in turmoil after a first-round exit to a squad with serious depth, experience, and firepower. Alongside Harden and Beal, Kawhi Leonard remains the franchise’s defensive anchor and late-game assassin.
Ivica Zubac continues to grow into one of the league’s most reliable centers, and Lopez gives them a veteran big with elite rim protection and stretch shooting. John Collins brings athleticism and small-ball versatility, while guards like Kris Dunn and Bogdan Bogdanovic round out a potent rotation.
It’s a far cry from the injury-plagued Clippers of past years. But it all hinges on health and harmony. With Harden now taking on a leadership role both financially and in the locker room, the Clippers appear more unified than ever.
This version of Harden, aged 35 but still averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds last season, isn’t chasing individual accolades anymore. He’s chasing legacy. And if the gamble pays off, this could be the year both Harden and the Clippers finally silence the critics.
Without Harden’s pay cut and persuasive pitch to Beal, the Clippers’ championship window may have remained shut. Instead, thanks to his sacrifice, the door is wide open and the Western Conference is on notice.
