Reports suggest the Clippers might trade Harden and Leonard! The difficulty of these deals varies: Leonard is already considered a negative asset.

On December 6th Beijing time, earlier this week, the Los Angeles Clippers made a stunning decision to part ways with Chris Paul. Now, led by James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the team stands at a crossroads with no clear path for rebuilding or contending to get back on track.

According to ESPN insiders Winhurst and Bontemps,the Clippers may look to move Harden and Leonard’s contracts soon to create salary cap space for roster upgrades during the offseason.

Bontemps noted that the Clippers have “expressed” interest in advancing the timeline for clearing cap space from 2027 to 2026. A team vice president told Winhurst that salary flexibility could pave the way for the Clippers’ competitiveness next season:

“There are many ways to use cap space. If the team no longer trusts the current core, having salary flexibility allows them to completely overhaul the roster within a year. Just look at what the Phoenix Suns did — their roster was aging badly, but after a major shakeup, the team’s outlook was completely revitalized.”

For the Clippers’ management, the biggest challenge is finding suitable trade partners for their two stars. After speaking with multiple NBA insiders, Bontemps learned that,the general consensus is that trading Harden is easier than trading Leonard. A scout from an Eastern Conference team told Bontemps that Harden’s trade value is “probably neutral,” whereas Leonard is currently viewed as a “negative value” player.

Harden’s salary this season is $39.2 million, with a $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season. So far, he has performed excellently this season, averaging 26.9 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Leonard’s salary this season is $50 million, with $50.3 million for next season. This six-time All-Star remains dominant when healthy, currently averaging 25.9 points on 50.0% shooting, along with 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists, but he has missed 10 of 22 games this season.

Given their current career stages and the fact that the Clippers won’t regain a first-round pick until 2030, it’s difficult for the team to get significant returns by trading them.

Reports indicate the Clippers originally planned to clear cap space in the summer of 2027, when stars at their peak such as Jokic, Giannis, Mitchell, and Towns could be available in free agency.

Additionally, the summer of 2027 might see a wave of veteran free agents aged 35-40, including notable names like Curry, Butler, Davis, and Durant.

In contrast, this upcoming offseason’s free agent class is somewhat weaker, with top-tier players limited to Trae Young, LaVine, and Porzingis. LeBron might also enter free agency, but he will turn 41 on December 30, clearly not a long-term building option.

Even if the Clippers do not aggressively pursue free agents this summer, the trade market still offers plenty of potential targets. If Giannis is not traded by the February deadline next year, he will undoubtedly be a prime focus for teams again in the offseason.

The current Clippers team lacks the strength not only to contend for the championship but even to compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Their 6-16 record places them only above the Kings and Pelicans in the West.