RealGM Basketball Wiretap

19 December 2025

• James Harden's Potential Trade Availability Being Monitored By Teams

  The potential trade availability of James Harden is being closely monitored by multiple teams ahead of the February 5th NBA trade deadline, a source tells Marc Stein. The Los Angeles Clippers are 6-20 despite Harden being healthy and playing at an All-Star level.

  Harden is owed $39.1 million this season and has a $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season.

  Harden could be a short-term fit for teams searching for a playmaker such as the Minnesota Timberwolves.

  The Clippers owe their 2026 first round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder outright, along with a 2027 swap, 2028 unprotected to the Philadelphia 76ers and a 2029 top-3 protected swap to the Sixers.

• Chris Paul's Exit From Clippers Rooted In Diverging Expectations Over Playing Time

  A significant gap between expectations and reality contributed to Chris Paul's abrupt departure from the Los Angeles Clippers, with the veteran point guard's preseason role far exceeding what was discussed when he signed this summer, multiple sources told ESPN. The divergence in Paul's usage set the stage for mounting tensions that led to his dismissal 21 games into the season.

  Paul signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract as a free agent this summer with the understanding his role would be limited, sources said. The team envisioned Paul as an end-of-the-bench veteran leader who needed little maintenance. In the release announcing Paul's signing, president Lawrence Frank said Paul would play a "reserve" role.

  Paul played 19 minutes per game during the preseason, averaging 8.3 points and 5.3 assists. The workload represented a much heartier role than had been discussed in the summer, sources said.

  "I think that's where Ty went wrong," said one source close to the situation, "because that really empowered Chris and changed the expectations."

  Tyronn Lue utilized Paul more extensively as the point guard performed well and the team dealt with injuries to Kawhi Leonard, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Bradley Beal entering the season. Paul quickly became a standout leader of the second unit, which routinely defeated the starters in practice.

  "We were kicking their ass," forward John Collins told ESPN. "Everyday we were kicking [the starters'] ass."

  The expanded role emboldened Paul to take on more vocal leadership responsibilities, which created friction with coaches and players who found his style abrasive, sources said. Frank described Paul's role as very limited to multiple players during the summer, as they expressed concerns about how Paul's presence might affect their own roles.

  Over several summer discussions, Paul said he was okay with the outlines of a limited role but stressed he wanted a chance to compete, sources said. He emphasized he would do his best to be an extension of the coaching staff.

  The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer started 82 games last season for the San Antonio Spurs. His expectations for meaningful playing time conflicted with organizational plans once the regular season began.

  Paul had multiple meetings with Frank about being more positive and not engaging in activities the organization perceived as "divisive," sources said. Arguments with Lue and especially associate head coach Jeff Van Gundy escalated tensions. The final confrontation occurred on a Nov. 30 flight to Miami when Van Gundy accused Paul of changing defensive coverage without approval.

  Frank informed Paul of his dismissal in an Atlanta hotel room around 11 p.m. on Dec. 2, sources said. Paul attempted to plead his case and brought teammate Brook Lopez into the room as a character witness, but the decision by Frank and the Clippers had already been made.

  The Clippers are 6-20 and sit 14th in the Western Conference. Paul remains at home awaiting a trade or buyout while working out at the team's old Playa Vista facility. The Clippers plan on working with Paul on a trade.

• Chris Paul Open To Playing For More Teams Than Over The Summer

  Chris Paul's time with the LA Clippers is nearing an end. Paul is now trade-eligible, and the Clippers are expected to look for a deal for the veteran point guard.

  This past offseason, Paul was focused on playing for teams on the west coast near his family in Los Angeles. Now, Paul is reportedly open to playing for more teams than he was when he signed with the Clippers.

  Paul is focused on landing with a team where he'll have a role and he can end his career in a better way than things played out with his return to the Clippers.

• Hornets Not Expected To Pursue Chris Paul

  The Charlotte Hornets are not expected to pursue a reunion with Chris Paul, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

  The Hornets had interest in signing Paul over the offseason.

  Paul, who wanted to play near his family in Los Angeles, is reportedly open-minded about his next destination.

  The Clippers are motivated to work on a trade with Paul.

• Tyronn Lue Denies Reports Of Rift With Chris Paul Before Exit

  Tyronn Lue denied Tuesday that he and Chris Paul were not on speaking terms before the Los Angeles Clippers dismissed the veteran point guard last week. Lue spoke with local media for the first time in ten days, addressing Paul's departure as the Clippers' record fell to 6-18, tied for third-worst in the NBA.

  Paul was sent home while the Clippers were in Atlanta last week. The 21st-year veteran had averaged career lows of 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes across 16 games, with five DNP-CDs in November.

  Lue confirmed he maintained contact with Paul throughout the difficult stretch when the veteran was removed from the rotation.

  "We were talking," Lue said when asked about communication with Paul. "How you gonna play if I'm not talking to him? There was a stretch where we said he wasn't gonna play, he was gonna be out of the rotation, that was tough for him, because he's a competitor and what the game means to him and what he brings every single day. But after that, it wasn't really much."

  Clippers president Lawrence Frank announced last week that the team would part ways with Paul, who remains on the roster while a transaction is sought. Paul becomes trade eligible December 15, when the Clippers play their first home game since his dismissal.

  When asked why Paul's situation became irreconcilable, unlike previous temporary departures of Marcus Morris Sr., Bones Hyland and PJ Tucker, Lue deferred to management. John Collins confirmed he reached out to Paul, noting the veteran was in good spirits despite the circumstances.

  "The organization just made the decision to do it," Lue said. "But we gotta move on, because we gotta try to win some games. And I don't think the mood changed because Chris is gone. Like, nobody wants to see him gone like that."

  Nicolas Batum praised Lue's leadership during the turbulent stretch, noting the coach has kept the team engaged despite mounting challenges. The Clippers have dealt with season-ending hip surgery for Bradley Beal and injuries to Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Jones Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic.

  Lue emphasized increased leadership responsibility for James Harden and Leonard, saying he has had "constant talks" with both stars. Collins noted Harden has stepped up his vocal leadership on and off the court.

  "I can't control injuries. I can't control certain situations," Lue said. "When we first came into the season, we thought we had a great team. We thought we had a great chance."

• Clippers Remain Motivated To Work With Chris Paul On Trade

  Despite his messy exit last week, the Los Angeles Clippers remain motivated to find a trade of Chris Paul beginning on December 15th. The Clippers will work with Paul and his CAA representation on finding a new home as he wants to continue his playing career in what will be his final NBA season.

  The Clippers are hard-capped at the first apron and are unlikely to sign a replacement if they were to waive him.

  Paul wanted to return to Los Angeles this past offseason after spending the 2024-25 season with the San Antonio Spurs. The Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns also had interest in signing Paul.

  Paul's criticisms became untenable as his playing time diminished, which led to his exit from the Clippers.

• James Harden Passes Carmelo Anthony For No. 10 On NBA All-Time Scorers

  James Harden surpassed Carmelo Anthony to become No. 10 on the NBA all-time scorers list on Saturday night.

  Harden finished with 34 points in the Clippers' 109-106 loss to the Wolves.

  "Blessing. A testament to the work I've put in," Harden said after the game. "It's an honor, especially with somebody like Melo, who's done so much greatness for this league."

  Harden is currently at 28,303 points. Shaquille O'Neal is in ninth with 28,596 points.

  Harden, who is only one of three guards in the top ten, is averaging 26.8 points on the season.

  Since the stat was being tracked in the 2013-14 season, Harden has scored more than 5,100 points off stepback jumpers, over 1,000 points more than second place.

  Harden then reflected upon the trade that brought him from the Thunder to the Rockets years ago.

  "Life-changing," Harden said of the trade to Houston. "What would've happened or what could have happened [if that trade doesn't happen]. I probably wouldn't have been able to be who I am, as far as creating an entire James Harden movement. I'm on my 10th signature shoe.

  "All these things probably wouldn't have happened if I was there. I possibly could have been a champion. Who knows? Possibly. But so I'm grateful."

• James Harden Has 'Neutral Value', Kawhi Leonard 'Negative' If Clippers Explore Trades

  The Los Angeles Clippers are facing a challenging situation following their slow start to the 2025-26 season where they are currently out of the playoff picture while also owing their unprotected first round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder. One option could be to give up on the current season to reset their roster and timeline for the 2026 offseason by trading James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. According to NBA executives, Harden would be easier for the Clippers to trade than Leonard.

  "James has maybe neutral value," an East scout said. "Kawhi has negative value."

  Harden has a $42 million player option for the 2026-27 season, while Leonard is owed $50 million. Harden has been healthier and more durable than Leonard while still also competing at an All-Star level. Leonard's checkered injury history and the NBA's ongoing investigation into his Aspiration endorsement deal makes it more challenging for the Clippers to trade him.

  The Clippers have been positioning themselves for the 2027 offseason when both Harden and Leonard are scheduled to come off their books. There are currently a number of star NBA players slated to become free agents in 2027. Ivica Zubac is the only player on the Clippers' roster guaranteed to be signed for the 2027-28.

  "There are a lot of ways to use cap space, and if they don't believe in this core they could really turn their team over in a year if they got flexibility," an assistant GM said. "You look at what they figured out in Phoenix. They had a team that was too old and turned over that roster and it changed their entire outlook."

  The Clippers could also try to shed $6.7 million off their salary cap to get under the luxury tax line and out of the repeater tax.

• League Sources Expect No Penalties For Clippers In Kawhi Leonard Sponsorship Probe

  The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to emerge from an ongoing NBA investigation without penalties related to a sponsorship arrangement involving Kawhi Leonard and former team sponsor Aspiration, according to sources. Multiple sources outside the organization share the team's belief that the league will not uncover wrongdoing in the matter.

  The NBA is investigating whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap by facilitating a $28 million endorsement contract between Leonard and Aspiration. The league seeks proof that the Clippers explicitly requested Aspiration provide the deal so Leonard could earn additional income outside the salary cap.

  Leonard received a four-year, $28 million contract from Aspiration in 2022 that did not require him to perform any work. While the document outlined expectations, a clause gave Leonard final refusal on anything he didn't want to do.

  Aspiration, now bankrupt, served as a Clippers team sponsor before the arrangement. Owner Steve Ballmer made a $50 million investment in the environmental firm in 2021, with subsequent investments from Ballmer and minority owner Dennis J. Wong.

  The Clippers remain steadfast in their insistence they did nothing wrong in their dealings with Aspiration. Team sources emphasized their confidence that the investigation will not reveal any salary cap violations.

  The investigation comes amid a disastrous season for the Clippers, who sit at 6-16 despite entering the year as title contenders. The team has dealt with multiple injuries, roster upheaval including the departure of Chris Paul, and significant losing stretches.

  The NBA has not announced a timeline for concluding its investigation. The league must establish direct evidence that the Clippers orchestrated Leonard's endorsement deal to circumvent salary cap restrictions.

• Lawrence Frank Expected To Sign Contract Extension With Clippers

  Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank is on track to receive a contract extension despite the team's 6-16 start to the season, according to multiple league sources. The extensions for Frank and his associates have been in the planning stages for some time, sources said.

  Owner Steve Ballmer and the Clippers organization remain committed to continuity amid a season plagued by injuries, roster upheaval, and an ongoing NBA investigation. The team released veteran point guard Chris Paul on Wednesday, the latest crisis in a disastrous campaign that has seen the franchise spiral.

  Clippers sources emphasized ownership's commitment to continuity but characterized contract extension discussions as "premature." One league source said the extensions "have been in the planning stages for a while. It hasn't happened yet, but it will."

  Frank expressed strong support for head coach Tyronn Lue, calling him "my partner" and "one hell of a coach." He stated Lue would "continue to be the coach here for a long time."

  The Clippers have endured significant setbacks beyond their losing record. The NBA is investigating allegations the team circumvented the salary cap through a sponsorship arrangement with Kawhi Leonard and former team sponsor Aspiration.

  "Right now we're playing bad basketball on both ends. We're a bad basketball team," Frank said.

  Bradley Beal suffered a season-ending hip injury on November 8 after joining the team via trade. Leonard missed 10 games with a foot sprain, during which the Clippers went 1-9. The team went 2-13 in November and currently sits 10 games below .500.

  The Clippers rank 19th in offense and 24th in defense despite carrying the league's ninth-highest payroll and oldest roster. They don't own their 2026 first-round pick, eliminating any draft lottery incentive.

  "It's been hard," Lue admitted. "I've never had a losing season (as a coach) and a few guys in the locker room never had losing seasons. It's been tough trying to figure it out."