Despite a dismal playoff showing, the Clippers and James Harden are extending their partnership. Harden is poised to sign a two-year, $81.5 million deal with the team.

We’re super hopeful that James is here, and he’s here for a long time.” In other Clippers news, power forward Nicolas Batum declined his $4.9 million option and will be a free agent.

James Harden had an All-NBA season for the Clippers, carrying their offense — with Paul George on the East Coast and Kawhi Leonard hurt the first part of the season — averaging 22.8 points and 8.7 ...