The Los Angeles Clippers, who have a luxury lineup of the Big Four, were eliminated by the Mavericks led by the Eastern European group. It is worth mentioning that James Harden, who has performed in the playoffs in the past, performed very well in the playoffs this time, scoring 28 points in the G1 game and 33 points in the G4 game, averaging 26 points and 7 assists per game in the first four games. Since Harden and Paul George do not have the ability to make a final decision at critical moments, Harden and George chose to hug the leg of Kaleonard Jr. to attack the championship. But unfortunately, Xiaoka missed the game against the Mavericks in the playoffs due to injury, which also became the main reason for the Clippers to go out.
And Leonard's injury is likely to be the X-factor in the disintegration of the Clippers' Big Four. Since the thigh of the small card is unreliable, Harden is likely to refuse to renew his contract with the Clippers this summer, and find a new partner to attack the championship. According to the American "Bleachers": If Harden refuses to renew his contract with the Clippers, the Clippers are likely to brew a swap deal involving Harden with the Eastern team Heat. The Clippers are likely to use Harden's expiring contract to trade for their perimeter sharpshooter Herro from the Heat. If Harden joins the Heat, he will join Butler, the league's No. 1 tough guy, in his quest for a championship. As the league's No. 1 tough guy, Butler's performance at critical moments is undoubted, and Butler, who has been injured this season, can still help the Heat win an average of 20+5+5 per game.
The reason why Butler is Harden's best championship partner is mainly due to Butler's key shots, and his handling ability is something that Harden does not have. And the Heat just need a veteran guard like Harden who can organize and connect with each other, sort out the team's offense, and help Butler reduce the scoring pressure. If Harden's organizational tandem can further activate the interior core Adebayo, then next season the Heat will form Harden Butler, Adebayo's new version of the Big Three. Coupled with the defensive system that championship coach Spoelstra helped the Heat build, the Heat are at the top on both ends of the floor, and the team will naturally become one of the favorites to compete for the championship in the East. And Harden will also return to the East through this deal, reversing his two old clubs, the Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers.
And Pat Riley, the general manager of the Heat, who has always been careful about budgeting, helped the team get such a championship puzzle as Harden at the lowest cost. As long as Harden is willing to join, I think Heat management is willing to offer him a max contract. So do you think that if Harden jumps from the Clippers to join the Heat, his and Butler's new Big Three lineup will be able to help him achieve his championship dream? Feel free to leave your views in the comments section.