James Harden Staying As Clippers Avoid Fire Sale

Merlin sees the Clippers are not planning a fire sale despite an 11 21 record, per Sam Amick of The Athletic. Owner Steve Ballmer keeps an "eternal mandate to remain competitive" and the team lacks a 2026 first round pick that would make tanking sensible. A dominant five game winning streak has restored internal hope, and there are "no signs yet that Harden wants out," even with trade chatter and his power to veto deals. Merlin notes this is a club trying to climb rather than fold. Every win matters because Oklahoma City holds swap rights tied to that 2026 pick. James Harden is playing at a high level, but the Clippers still need depth and defensive steadiness to turn momentum into a real playoff push.