James Harden significantly aided Clippers’ efforts to land Beal and Lopez, reveals president Frank

The early playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets was a major disappointment for the Los Angeles Clippers. Now, they are focused on raising their level and seriously competing in the upcoming NBA season, with new signings like Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez. And in that, James Harden played a pivotal role.

“James Harden has allowed the Clippers to go after players this offseason,” said team president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, according to reporter Ohm Youngmisuk on X. “Harden restructured his deal, giving Clippers cap space to get Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez and second-year of his deal allows Clippers to have max cap space if needed.”

At this stage of his career, Harden’s top priority is clearly being part of a team that can compete deep into the playoffs and help him finally win an elusive NBA title. That’s why the 35-year-old guard is willing to make sacrifices for the good of the team.

And that’s not all. Harden also played a significant role in the recruitment of Beal, helping persuade him to join the Clippers. “Mark Bartelstein, Bradley Beal’s agent, talked to everyone in the Clippers organization, including a 30-minute conversation with James Harden,” Frank revealed, according to Youngmisuk.

Los Angeles Clippers president Lawrence Frank

Harden’s competitive drive seems to have resonated with Beal, who is also searching for his first championship after a disappointing stint with the Phoenix Suns. The Clippers president said Beal’s final decision to accept the offer and move to Los Angeles came down to his desire “to win and win big.”

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Bradley Beal leaves Phoenix for Los Angeles: Clippers’ projected lineup with James Harden, Kawhi Leonard for 2025-26 NBA season

Clippers closely monitoring Chris Paul

In the same conversation, Lawrence Frank was asked about the possibility of Chris Paul returning to the Clippers, where he played from 2011 to 2017. “What I’d say about Chris is he’s a great player, he’s a great Clipper. He obviously possesses some of the qualities we just referenced,” the president said.

Head coach Tyronn Lue still has two open roster spots, and the franchise appears intent on filling one with a player known for playmaking and ballhandling—traits that align perfectly with CP3. That led Frank to add: “Of course, we’re strongly strongly considering him.”

Clippers optimistic about the future

So far, the Los Angeles Clippers have added size and power with the arrivals of Brook Lopez and John Collins, along with shooting and ballhandling through Bradley Beal. They may also soon add the experience and basketball IQ of Chris Paul.

All of these assets, combined with what the team already had last season—James Harden, a healthy Kawhi Leonard, and an increasingly dominant Ivica Zubac—could make the Clippers serious contenders in the Western Conference.