Clippers president Lawrence Frank expressed confidence in both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden returning next season.
Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, made it clear that the team expects both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to return for next season.
However, he acknowledged that the business side of the NBA could influence those plans.
Regarding Harden, Frank mentioned that he hasn’t seriously considered a scenario where the 35-year-old guard isn’t on the roster.
Harden holds a $36 million player option for the 2024-2025 season, but Frank expressed satisfaction with his performance this past season.
"We were very, very happy with everything we wanted from James, we got it and then some," Frank said.
The 10-time All-Star averaged 22.8 points and 8.7 assists per game while playing 79 games.
"At his age, to deliver what he did… we have a deep appreciation for that," Frank added, highlighting the veteran's consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
While Harden’s future is still up in the air, the Clippers are equally committed to Leonard, who battled through knee issues this season.
Leonard appeared in only 37 games but continued to put up impressive numbers when healthy, including 21.5 points per game and shooting 41% from three-point range.
Frank pushed back against critics who have questioned Leonard’s injury history, defending his work ethic. "In Kawhi’s sense, he (rehabs) times ten," Frank said.
He further explained that chronic injuries are not a "character flaw" and that he believes Leonard has another level of play to reach. "There’s another level for him out there."
Despite the Clippers' disappointing Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, Frank remains optimistic about the potential of Leonard and Harden together. "If you have two top-15 players… I definitely believe in those two," he said.
As Harden’s player option decision approaches on June 29, Frank’s focus remains on reaching a deal that works for both the player and the franchise. "I’m going in with the intent… to reach an agreement that works for James and the Clippers," Frank concluded.
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