Clippers news: Harden may return with salary cuts, the strongman executes the option, Van Gundy determines to stay in the team

Harden may return with a salary cut

Today, according to the US media "TheAthletic" reporter Danny Leroux, Clippers star James Harden is expected to break out of his current contract and sign a contract with the Clippers. Leroux said that sources revealed that Harden may be willing to accept a small salary cut to help the team free up more room for strengthening their salary to further enhance their competitiveness. Currently, Harden has $3,600,000 left in his contract for the last year of the player option, and he will make the final decision before June 30 local time.

This year's playoffs, the Clippers stopped in the first round again. In G7, Harden performed poorly, scored only 7 points, 5 rebounds and 13 assists on 2 of 8 shots, causing the Clippers to suffer a crushing defeat. After being eliminated by the Nuggets, Harden also became the target of public criticism, and some Clippers fans even believed that Harden should leave the Clippers. It is undeniable that Harden in the playoffs is indeed too unstable, especially his key record is often bad, but his ability to support the regular season is still worthy of recognition. In addition, if Harden is really willing to accept a salary cut, the Clippers should definitely welcome him. After all, there is almost no replacement on the market that is more cost-effective and capable than him.

The Hulk Execution Option

Today, Clippers veteran Nicholas Batum accepted an interview with the media and answered multiple questions. When talking about whether he will continue to stay with the Clippers in the new season, Batum said: "Yes, I plan to stay with the Clippers. I will execute player options. I like the atmosphere here." This year's playoffs, Batum performed well, playing in 7 games, and averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.7 blocks per game, with blocks leading the Clippers and Nuggets series. At present, Batum's contract has $490,000 left in the last year.

When talking about how long he will play in the NBA, Batum said: "I think next season is likely to be the last season of my career. I feel that it is almost time to say goodbye to basketball. As for what to do after retirement, I have no plans yet." Looking at Batum's 17-year career, having received a high salary and being the first few choices for the team, it can be said that it is already quite good except not winning the championship. After all, it is difficult for a foreign player to play in the NBA for so long. I also hope that the Clippers management can operate well and improve the lineup during the offseason, strive to realize Batum's dream of winning, and let him retire with peace of mind.

Van Gundy was confirmed to stay in the team

This year's regular season, the Clippers' performance on the defensive end was eye-catching, with averaging 9.4 steals per game (3rd in the league) and averaging 109.4 defensive efficiency per game (3rd in the league), making him a top defensive team. And a great contribution to this is to the team's assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy. It is understood that Van Gundy will do it personally and strictly inform the players about what to do in every training session; during the game, Van Gundy is even more devoted and reminds the players on the court at all times how to stand, select positions and defend. When the Clippers were eliminated, many fans were quite worried about whether Van Gundy would poach other teams.

Today, according to Law Murray, a reporter with the Clippers, the Nuggets currently have only the Nuggets' head coach position in the league, but the Nuggets are likely to promote Adelman Jr., who has a good record in the playoffs this year, which means that there will be no team to poach Van Gundy. At the same time, Murray said that Van Gundy likes the Clippers' team atmosphere and the vitality displayed on the defensive end, and is willing to make a comeback with the team in the new season. All signs indicate that Van Gundy will almost certainly continue to work hand in hand with the Clippers in the new season.