Clippers’ Big Three Ambitions: Leonard and Harden Shine, But Ballmer Keeps Long-Term Flexibility in Mind
With the Hawks ending their seven-game losing streak, the longest skid in the NBA now belongs to the Indiana Pacers, who have lost 10 straight games and sit last in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers boast the league’s longest winning streak at five games, led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Even without key players Ivica Zubac and Bradley Beal, the “twin stars” have impressed fans. Leonard remains the team’s barometer, while Harden, at 36 years old, has carried the team in Leonard’s absence, averaging 26.1 points, 7.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
Harden’s resurgence has drawn interest from other teams, but GM Lawrence Frank has stated he is not for sale. Attention has shifted to center Ivica Zubac, who is averaging 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and shooting 60.9% this season. A traditional, high-efficiency center, Zubac excels in rim protection, pick-and-roll, rebounding, and low-post play.
The Clippers could use this period to address the future of Paul George and Beal, but the front office is cautious. Considering Leonard’s load management and Harden’s injury history, they aren’t betting everything on the current roster. According to Sam Amick, the Clippers are exploring the addition of another superstar alongside Leonard and Harden to boost playoff prospects. Head coach Tyronn Lue set a target of 35 wins in the remaining 55 games, and the team is currently on track.
Role players have stepped up, notably rookie Jaden Nedehaus, who scored 16 points with 6 rebounds and 2 assists in 25 minutes off the bench against the Kings, addressing frontcourt depth concerns. Owner Steve Ballmer is likely feeling both encouraged and cautious.
While building a big three and pushing for the playoffs is necessary, Ballmer is focused on salary cap flexibility for 2027. Leonard and Harden’s contracts run through 2027, allowing the Clippers to potentially sign 1–2 superstars and use draft picks to reinforce the roster. Acting too soon on trades risks prolonging the rebuild, leaving the Clippers as a single-star playoff fringe team in 2027–28, trapped in a cycle that hinders championship contention.
