RealGM

Kawhi Leonard enters the offseason healthy for the first time since 2020, a significant development after the LA Clippers' first-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets. The team's president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, expressed continued confidence in building around Leonard and James Harden despite having the NBA's oldest roster.

"I definitely believe in those two," Frank said Monday during a media session conducted via video from New York.

Leonard missed the beginning of the season with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee, not making his debut until January. He averaged 21.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 37 games during the regular season.

"There's another level for him out there that he's going to get to next year," Frank said. "I think looking at next year that we can be better with more games from Kawhi."

Offseason Priorities and Free Agency Focus

Harden, who has a player option for next season, averaged 22.8 points and 8.7 assists while playing 79 games. The Clippers plan to negotiate with the 35-year-old guard if he declines his option.

"We have a great level of appreciation for what James did this year. I'm going in with the intent that if he doesn't pick up his option that we're going to be able to reach an agreement that works well for James and works well for the Clippers," Frank explained.

The Clippers finished 50-32 in their first season at Intuit Dome, but failed to advance past the first round for the third consecutive year. Their Game 7 loss to Denver saw Harden score just seven points on 2-for-8 shooting.

Frank identified frontcourt help and another playmaker as key offseason targets through free agency or trades. The team also hopes to retain Nicolas Batum, who shot 43% from three-point range and holds a player option for next season.

Via ESPN

Bruh. You have no other choice.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

as someone who doesn't like the clippers, this is clippers news that actually makes me happy

The Clipper's owner is SICK

I was pulling for LAC this season... but both of Kawhi's previous extensions were mistakes. Harden was good for them this season as an All-Star level player and only the 45th highest paid player. (Ayton and CJ McCollum are #'s 44 and 46.)

But this is simple: Harden, Powell, Zubac, DJJ, Batum and Bogdan (if he can get right) is the beginning of a solid (and fun) team, but Kawhi does not make them a contender... so move him quick, while he's healthy. And even though Harden is still playing well, he is 35 and will be in the final year of his deal... so take calls on him, and be prepared to move on from him when his contract expires. They should be taking calls on everyone by next February.

There is no point in bottoming out for a team that doesn't control their own picks. But there is always a point in answering the phone when you aren't a contender and you have no "untradeable" players.

For Kawhi to play healthier, more games and longer, he needs to play SF, so he plays defense on smaller and lighter guys and attacks on same kind of guys...

Playoff Harden.

Clippers are comical. Good luck burying the team for the next decade or so.