Harden set to stay with Clippers as NBA free agency opens

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden brings the ball up during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo)

NEW YORK –  James Harden has reportedly reached a two-year deal to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers while Chris Paul was released by the Golden State Warriors on Sunday as NBA free agency began.

With teams unable to confirm new deals, media reports revealed most player moves in the opening hours of the scramble for clubs and talent to come to terms to reshape the landscape for the 2024-25 season.

The NBA moratorium period begins Monday and ends on Saturday.

Paul George, a former Clippers forward, was the biggest name in the available talent pool and his deal was expected to set the tone for more moves.

He was expected to have talks with Philadelphia and Orlando. Those clubs and Oklahoma City have the most salary cap space to offer deals to free agents.

Harden, according to multiple reports, reached a deal worth $70 million to spend the next two seasons with the Clippers.

Forward Kevin Love was expected to re-sign with Miami for $8 million over two seasons, The Athletic and ESPN reported, while ESPN reported center Obi Toppin was set to return to Indiana on a four-year deal worth $60 million.

Turkish center Omer Yertseven was set to be released by Utah, ESPN said.

The Warriors announced they had waived 39-year-old Paul, a 12-time NBA All-Star, in a move to save luxury tax funds.

Golden State star guard Klay Thompson is now a free agent.

The 13-year NBA veteran, every second of it played for the Warriors, is expected to have talks with Dallas, Philadelphia, the Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Another free agent is Lakers star LeBron James, although he is expected to re-sign with the Lakers to play alongside son Bronny next season.

James reportedly has said he would take a pay cut if it would help the Lakers sign certain top free agents such as Thompson.

The NBA announced the salary cap for the 2024-25 campaign was set at $140.588 million with the tax level for the season at $170.814 million and the minimum team salary at $126.529 million.