According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, while James has expressed interest in staying with the Los Angeles Clippers, he is trending towards declining his player option for a better deal.

For those curious, his player option is worth $35.6 million.

With both sides wanting to continue their partnership, it’s expected his next contract extension will see him play through the 2026-27 season.

It’s unclear how much the veteran guard is seeking, as his current contract saw him making $35 million per season. Since 2022, Harden has been working off two-year contracts worth significant money.

Last season, in 79 games played, the 35-year-old averaged 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. This is back-to-back seasons of playing 70+ games. The last time Harden played in 70+ games before then was back in 2018-19 with the Houston Rockets.

According to the man himself, next season will most likely be the final season fans see Nicolas Batum, as he is ready to ride off into the sunset.

The 36-year-old has a $4.9 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers for next season, which he’s expected to pick up. Batum played in 78 games, averaging 17.5 minutes per appearance.

“There’s a very, very good chance that the next season will be my last,” Batum said.

He will be entering his 18th season in the NBA, and playing his sixth season with Los Angeles. In total, Batum has played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers.

In 1,131 career games, Batum averaged 10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He was a former first-round pick out of the 2008 draft class.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers have signed Ben Simmons to a contract for the remainder of the season. This comes shortly after the Brooklyn Nets bought out Simmons’ expiring contract.

Los Angeles had an open roster spot after acquiring Bogdan Bogdanovic, Drew Eubanks, MarJon Beauchamp, and Patty Mills in deadline trades.

The 28-year-old will join a stacked Clippers team with tremendous depth and playoff experience. They are currently 28-23 on the season, which puts them seventh in the West.