Will Harden jump out of the contract first and renew a new contract with the Clippers that expires in 2027?

According to HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto, the Los Angeles Clippers' backcourt core James Harden tends to refuse to execute the $36.35 million player option on his contract next season and become a free agent. However, Scotto also said sources told him that Harden and the Clippers are interested in continuing to cooperate, and that the two sides will renegotiate a new contract, and that there are more and more signs that his next contract may allow him to play together with Kawhi Leonard until the 2026-27 season. It is worth mentioning that Harden is a California native and he is very satisfied with the fact that he can go home to play.

In the NBA regular season this season, Harden played 79 games in 82 games, averaging 35.3 minutes per game, averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks, and 4.3 turnovers and 2.1 fouls, shooting percentage of 41%, three-point shooting percentage of 35.2%, and free throw shooting percentage of 87.4%. In the playoffs, Harden played 7 games in total, with averaging 39.4 minutes per game, averaging 18.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1 block, and 3 turnovers and 2.3 fouls, shooting percentage of 43.6%, three-point shooting percentage of 36.4%, and free throw shooting percentage of 81.8%.

In fact, Harden's performance this season can only be considered a mediocre and sloppy level. Although his offensive efficiency was average during the regular season, his playing time was still high, he was able to organize and connect the team's offense and defense well. His effect on the court is obvious to all. However, in the playoffs, especially in the first round of the G7 series that determines life and death, Harden once again completely lost the chain. His poor performance also largely led to the Clippers' serious lack of competitiveness in the game, and eventually suffered a loss and missed the Western Conference semi-finals. As the team's backcourt core, Harden has every reason to perform at a higher level, but he once again feels very disappointing.

According to previous news, the Clippers and Harden intend to renew a two-year contract with a total amount of approximately $75 million this summer, of which the second year of the contract is the player option. This is an ideal result for both parties. Harden received a small salary increase, which is also the greatest recognition of his outstanding performance in the regular season. For the Clippers, such a salary increase has no impact on the team's overall salary, and considering that Harden's contract is still a short contract, it will not put any pressure on the team's long-term development. In this way, it is basically a foregone conclusion that Harden jumped out of the contract and returned to the Clippers?