James Harden has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers but is poised to re-sign for a lucrative two-year deal worth $81.5 million. This decision aligns with team strategy, as his co-star, Kawhi Leonard, is also signed through 2026-27. Harden was a key player during the last season, averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game. He notably led all postseason players with 9.1 assists during a competitive first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, showcasing his playmaking ability despite the team's limited postseason success.