The Los Angeles Clippers’ long-standing interest in James Harden has never been a secret. According to insights from Live Cricket BPL, the trade itself wasn’t the problem—the issue lies in how it was executed. Instead of building the deal around guard Terance Mann, the Clippers cleared out three full-sized forwards, an arguably unwise move. From the front office to the coaching staff, the Clippers’ management has often made puzzling decisions. Blaming their repeated failures solely on injuries oversimplifies the issue. The root of the problem starts with head coach Tyronn Lue, whose unwavering trust in Marcus Morris and Ivica Zubac as starters has long drawn criticism.
Morris, likely buckling under media pressure, was gradually benched last season and eventually traded during the offseason. It’s human nature not to treasure what isn’t hard-earned. The extended underutilization of Robert Covington likely led management to underestimate his value—ultimately making him a trade piece. Meanwhile, despite having Mason Plumlee on the bench—a mobile and dynamic center—Zubac continued to start, slowing down the team’s tempo. Ironically, the Clippers now find themselves short of exactly the type of power forward they just let go—Covington.
These missteps have snowballed into a bigger issue. For the Clippers to truly turn the page, management must consider parting with either Paul George or Kawhi Leonard—whichever has the higher trade value. Kawhi, due to his elite skill set and marketability, is virtually untouchable. That leaves Paul George, whose play style leans toward the perimeter despite his height. Swapping George for a true big forward—someone who can defend, rebound, and run the floor—isn’t just strategic; it’s essential. It could be the move that seals up the cracks in the Clippers’ foundation. If the roster remains unchanged, Russell Westbrook must be shifted to the bench—a move he’s experienced before, which makes the transition manageable.
As for Harden, he’s clearly trying to adapt. Although it remains to be seen whether his style complements Kawhi and George, he’s already making sacrifices. In his first two games with the Clippers, Harden noticeably reduced his ball-handling, focusing instead on passing early and spacing the floor. Defensively, however, there’s little room for growth. Even in his prime, Harden’s defense was often a liability. And the Live Cricket BPL analysts note the awkward fit between Harden and Westbrook—both need the ball, and both struggle defensively. Putting them on the court together for extended minutes is a recipe for disaster.
From a structural standpoint, Harden seems more suited to the starting five than Westbrook, whose lack of shooting continues to be a weakness. That said, Harden’s career choices in recent years have drawn skepticism. He knows time is no longer on his side. If anything, he’s driven by a singular purpose now—to win. As the saying goes, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” And despite joining a team that’s clearly led by Kawhi and George, Harden isn’t here to take over. He just wants one last shot at a championship ring before the curtain falls on his career.