Typically, when a major name is freed from their previous contract, most fans within the NBA Community want to see them join forces with an established superstar or an already paired duo. This has been a common offseason theme and reached new levels of prominence in 2019, as the LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers all landed multiple top-15 players.
The Lakers were the only team of the three that actually yielded success from combining superstar forces, but that did not stop the Nets or Clippers as they found their paths in different time frames to acquire the former MVP, James Harden.
The Nets ended up blowing things up and now have a future they are still building around Cam Thomas, Nicolas Claxton, and other talents, as well as numerous picks, including the fourth of this year’s draft.
However, because of the contract of Kawhi Leonard, along with the team’s ongoing championship aspirations, the Clippers have deferred the rebuilding route. This preference will most likely last through 2026-27 when Leonard is a free agent.
Moreover, the Clippers are not content with just Leonard and Harden, as they feel another max-contract caliber player is needed to dethrone the Oklahoma City Thunder of their success in the Western Conference.
Michael Scotto mentions in his latest report how this is possible for the Clippers, which counters the current trend of postseason winning.
Michael Scotto reveals how the Clippers can add another star, and it is a bad idea to entertain
To trade for a superstar, teams usually have to include some type of high-value assets like draft capital, another elite talent, or a youngster who is guaranteed to yield success. The LA Clippers do not have most of these, but where they thrive is appealing contracts.
The terms of Norman Powell and Bogdan Bogdanović(if the team option next summer is declined) are on the verge of expiring, and Derrick Jones Jr. has two seasons left, but his annual income does not surpass $11 million. This is a number his contributions are worth more than.
Furthermore, Michael Scotto spoke in his recent article about how the Clippers can combine these three contracts, with picks and swaps, to land a talent worth the top dollar.
Conversely, this approach will not work, as the two most playoff-winning teams in the league, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, have shifted towards a more depth-oriented strategy rather than relying on a team of superstars.
The Clippers can avoid this mistake that would demolish their dreams by making multiple different trades that add more always-ready role players.