Clippers Won't Trade James Harden or Kawhi Leonard

Merlin sees Los Angeles faltering. The Clippers began 7 wins and 21 losses, yet sources tell Jake Fischer the team is not planning to make James Harden or Kawhi Leonard available right now. Harden is producing 25.8 points 8.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds after signing a two year 81.5 million deal; Leonard is at 25.2 points but has missed 10 games and is signed through 2027. Still, one executive expects Harden "to wind up in trade play at some point this winter" and talk of accelerating cap plans persists. Merlin knows roster stories are written in both box scores and balance sheets. A scout calls Harden "maybe a neutral value" and Leonard "negative value." Age and injury history complicate any market. The Clippers can cling to veterans and hope chemistry heals or turn toward youth and cap flexibility. The calm now feels fragile.