James Harden Rumors: Clippers FA Eyes 3-Year Contract amid LeBron James, Lakers Buzz | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

James Harden is “expected to find” a three-year contract offer if the Los Angeles Clippers lose Paul George in free agency, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer.

Per Fischer, the Clippers have “explored avenues” to get under the second apron and gain access to the $5.2 million tax-payer mid-level exception.

On Saturday, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James would be willing to take a pay cut on a max deal and listed Harden as a player that James would sacrifice some of his potential salary for.

James’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, told McMenamin that the 39-year-old is willing to work with the Lakers front office and possibly sign a deal worth less than a maximum of three years and $162 million in order to open up the full $12.9 million mid-level exception.

That may not be enough for Harden, though. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported on Sunday that he’s projected to earn “somewhere closer to double” the mid-level exception amount, with the Clippers interested in bringing him back.

George’s future with the organization is uncertain after he declined his $48.7 million player option on Saturday. He could still end up returning to the organization, as Shams Charania of The Athletic listed Los Angeles among the teams that the nine-time All-Star will meet with once free agency begins.

Earlier in the offseason, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was “hopeful” that the team would be able to retain Harden and George.

“We’d like to be able to bring back and retain Paul and James,” Frank said on May 6, per ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “We’re hopeful we can, but also understand and respect the fact that they’re free agents. Paul has a decision with his option. James will be an unrestricted free agent, so our intent is to bring him back, but also realize that they’re elite players and they’ll have choices.”

Harden embraced a smaller role with the Clippers following his trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, as his scoring average of 16.6 points per game represented his lowest mark since the 2010-11 season. The 2018 MVP also averaged 5.1 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game, shooting 42.8 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from behind the arc.

While his return to the Clippers is far from guaranteed, Harden should still be able to find a three-year contract offer in free agency.