James Harden stays with Clippers, Paul George changes jersey

Two future members of the Basketball Hall of Fame, James Harden and Paul George, have decided their future in the NBA. Harden will stay with the Los Angeles Clippers, while George is leaving California for Philadelphia.

Harden will give it another shot with the Clippers

according to media reports, 34-year-old James Harden is planning to sign a two-year, $70 million contract with the Clippers. This will keep the core of the team along with Kawhi Leonard. The player, who has been switching places a lot lately, will thus stay with this team for a longer period of time.

The Clippers in the playoffs this season, however, fell in the opening round to the late finalist Dallas, led by Luka Doncic. Harden has played one season with this team so far, before which he came from the Philadelphia 76ers. He is the last American player to be named the league’s MVP. It happened in 2018. In addition, in three seasons he reigned the scorers.

The ten-time All-Star game participant averaged 16.6 points per game and 8.5 assists last season. He may be past his zenith, but he is still a very valid player. He excels in versatility on the court, and even at his advanced age he is still capable of recording a prized triple-double.

Paul George will try his luck in Philadelphia

Paul George was only the third player after Leonard and Harden on the Clippers’ loaded roster and decided to try his luck with the Philadelphia 76ers. There, he is expected to be on hand for Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxe.

In addition, he will become one of the highest paid players in the entire NBA when he decided not to exercise his $49 million option for next season. He signed a 4-year, $212 million contract in Philadelphia. At $53 million, he will be the second highest paid player. Only Stephen Curry makes less than 3 million more.

So Philadelphia has stepped up mightily. The trio of Embiid, Maxey, George should lead this team to at least the Finals, which the 76ers last played in 2001 with the great Allen Iverson. That time, however, they fell to the Lakers in the Finals.

the 34-year-old George has his 9th straight season with at least 20 points per game. He averaged 22.6 points last season. He will surely be a very valuable player for the 76ers as well. Especially after last season proved that they were toothless on offense with the long-term injury to Embiid.

Source: NBA