Troubled Future for the Clippers Following Round One Playoff Loss
The Los Angeles Clippers have always been viewed as the little brother to the Lakers in their own city and the team’s latest playoff flameout did not improve its status as a franchise. Earlier this season, the Clippers acquired what they thought was the missing piece to making an unstoppable trio by trading for 10-time All-Star, James Harden, from the Philadephia 76ers. After the trade, the trio of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden was projected to make a big splash in the NBA’s Western Conference. However, the Clippers could never be completely healthy this season and it led to them losing in the first round to the Dallas Mavericks in Game Six. Now the team is facing several glooming offseason questions following their playoff exit.
Of the dynamic trio, Kawhi Leonard is the only player who is signed to a contract next season for the Clippers. However, Leonard is a popular trade candidate for the Clippers because he hasn’t panned out for the team since acquiring him four years ago. Leonard has performed well in his games with the Clippers averaging 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists over his four years with the team. However, he has missed over 30% of his games, especially come playoff time when availability is crucial. Paul George has shown out for the Clippers and has a player option for $49 million if he chooses to accept it. However, he may choose to move off the Clippers to another contending team. The Philadelphia 76ers have risen as a team that has been rumored to try and make a move on Paul George this offseason. James Harden also doesn’t have a contract option to stay with the Clippers and will also probably try to move on to another team during free agency.
With the Clippers likely to lose several pieces including James Harden and Paul George to free agency, the Clippers should look to move Kawhi Leonard who can’t stay healthy while they can still get a lot of capital for him. It is very likely the Clippers will look to blow up this roster and bring in young talent on the cheaper side since they are already on the high side of the salary cap even before Paul George decides if he wants to take his player option or not. In regards to other moves the Clippers will make in free agency we can no doubt expect them to offer contracts to some role players that will provide them with abilities on the offensive and defensive ends this summer. While we know that if the Clippers are able to keep George or Harden they will no doubt still have a successful season next year but if they don’t, which looks more probable as of now, will they be able to make the playoffs next season? What does the future of the Los Angeles Clippers organization look like?
