The Los Angeles Clippers are heading into the offseason with a lot on their minds after a rough 2023-24 season. Despite all the hype and a talented roster, they stumbled in the playoffs again, getting knocked out in the first round by the Dallas Mavericks in six games. Injuries to key players like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard really hurt their chances, leading to another early exit. The constant injuries and inconsistency have become a recurring issue, making everyone question if they can truly compete at the top level.
As the Clippers look to bounce back and rebuild for the 2024-25 season, all eyes are on free agency and the dream of forming a superteam. One of the big moves being talked about is re-signing Paul George with a hefty $140 million contract, keeping one of their main stars in LA. There’s also buzz about James Harden sticking around with a mid-level deal worth about $12 million. Locking in these players would give the Clippers a strong foundation.
But the situation with Russell Westbrook adds a bit of drama. He’s set to become a free agent, and while there’s a chance he could come back on a low-cost deal similar to his current $4 million contract, he might also chase a better offer elsewhere. What Westbrook decides to do will play a big role in shaping the Clippers’ strategy moving forward.
This offseason is a golden opportunity for the Clippers to fix their roster’s issues and make a serious run in the 2024-25 season. By keeping their star players and possibly bringing back some familiar faces, they could finally build a superteam that’s ready to overcome their playoff struggles and chase a championship.
Chris Paul’s Reunion With The Clippers
A potential reunion with Chris Paul could be a game-changer for the Clippers. Currently, Paul is under contract with the Golden State Warriors, where he has $30 million non-guaranteed for the 2024-25 season. This gives the Warriors the flexibility to cut him, making him a free agent who could join the Clippers on a veteran’s minimum deal.
Chris Paul, at 39 years old, is nearing the twilight of his career but still has plenty to offer. His 2023-24 season with the Warriors showcased his enduring skills, averaging 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 58 games. Despite his contributions, the Warriors finished the season with a 46-36 record, placing 10th in the Western Conference. They managed to make it to the play-in tournament but were eliminated after losing to the Sacramento Kings in the first game.
Adding Paul would align with his objectives of chasing that elusive championship ring, complementing the Clippers’ core and providing stability and playmaking that the team desperately needs. In this envisioned lineup, Paul would take the starting point guard role alongside James Harden in the backcourt, with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard on the wings, creating a formidable small-ball lineup.
This offseason is a golden opportunity for the Clippers to fix their roster’s issues and make a serious run in the 2024-25 season. By keeping their star players and possibly bringing back some familiar faces like Chris Paul, they could finally build a superteam that’s ready to overcome their playoff struggles and chase a championship.
Reuniting Kyle Lowry With Kawhi Leonard
Another intriguing possibility for the Clippers is reuniting Kyle Lowry with Kawhi Leonard. Lowry, who played for the Philadelphia 76ers this past season, signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal after his buyout with the Hornets. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 8.1 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in 60 games. In the playoffs, he put up 7.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game over six games as the 76ers were eliminated in the first round by the New York Knicks.
Kyle Lowry’s connection with Kawhi Leonard dates back to their time with the Toronto Raptors, where they won a championship together in 2019. This strong rapport and chemistry could be invaluable for the Clippers. At 38 years old, Lowry is looking to extend his career and compete for another title. His experience and playmaking ability would be a great fit alongside Leonard, George, Harden, and potentially Chris Paul, forming a veteran core with a wealth of playoff experience.
After reaching the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat in 2023 and falling short, Lowry would be making one last push for a championship with the Clippers. This move would allow him to reunite with Kawhi Leonard and bring his experience to a team that is poised to make a deep playoff run. Lowry’s presence would not only bolster the bench but also provide a reliable option to manage the game during crucial stretches, making the Clippers a more formidable opponent in their quest for an NBA title.
DeMar DeRozan Reunion With Kyle Lowry
Trade Details
Clippers receive: DeMar DeRozan
Bulls receive: Norman Powell, PJ Tucker, Bones Hyland
An exciting move for the Clippers would be bringing DeMar DeRozan back together with Kyle Lowry. The idea is to pull off a sign-and-trade deal with the Chicago Bulls, sending Norman Powell, PJ Tucker, and Bones Hyland to Chicago in exchange for DeRozan. For this trade to work, the Bulls would need to sign DeRozan to a new contract before moving him. Considering his performance, he might command around $25-30 million per year.
DeRozan was on fire for the 2023-24 season, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds over 79 games. Despite his solid performance, the Bulls struggled and ended up with a 39-43 record, missing out on the playoffs after losing to the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament. DeRozan gave it his all in that final game, scoring 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to push them through.
On the Clippers side, Norman Powell chipped in with 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game over 76 games. PJ Tucker, while mainly a defensive presence and a veteran leader, would be a salary filler in this deal. Bones Hyland showed promise, averaging 6.9 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 37 games.
The big draw here is the history between DeRozan and Lowry. These two were a dynamic duo with the Toronto Raptors, leading the team to multiple playoff runs and building a strong bond. Bringing them back together on the Clippers could reignite that chemistry and add another versatile scorer and playmaker to the team.
DeRozan’s strengths in the mid-range, shot creation, and leadership would fit seamlessly with the Clippers’ core. With Lowry likely backing up Chris Paul, the Clippers would have an experienced and talented backcourt. This reunion would be a final push for both DeRozan and Lowry to chase another championship. Lowry, after reaching the NBA Finals with Miami in 2023 but falling short, would be making one last run for a title alongside his old teammate.
It’s Time To Put All Egos Aside
When it comes to NBA drama, few feuds have been as public and as significant as the one between Chris Paul and James Harden. Their time together on the Houston Rockets was marked by both brilliance and tension. Despite their on-court success, which included a near-upset of the Golden State Warriors in the 2018 Western Conference Finals, their relationship soured, leading to Paul’s trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019.
The issues between CP3 and Harden were well-documented. Reports suggested that their styles of play clashed, with Paul favoring a more methodical, playmaking approach, while Harden excelled in isolation play. Additionally, there were rumors of personal friction, including disagreements during practices and differing views on team dynamics and leadership.
it’s been a few years since those Houston days, and both players have moved on to different teams and different roles. Chris Paul has shown he can still be a high-impact player with the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors, while Harden has had stints with the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers before his trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, continuing to put up impressive numbers.
Now, as the Clippers look to assemble a superteam, it’s time for CP3 and Harden to bury the hatchet. Both players are veterans chasing that elusive championship, and joining forces in Los Angeles could be their best shot at a ring. The Clippers offer a fresh start and a unique opportunity to combine their talents in a way that maximizes their strengths and minimizes past conflicts.
Clippers’ Old Superteam Could Be Dominant
Starters: Chris Paul, James Harden, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac
Key Bench Players: Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Terance Mann, Daniel Theis, Kai Jones
Imagine the Clippers rolling out a starting lineup featuring Chris Paul, James Harden, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac. This lineup looks like an absolute powerhouse on paper, blending elite playmaking, scoring, and defensive prowess. Here’s why this old superteam could be unstoppable.
Chris Paul, even at 39, remains one of the best floor generals in the game. His basketball IQ, leadership, and ability to control the pace make him invaluable. He’s the glue that can hold this star-studded lineup together. Pairing him with James Harden brings the potential for an explosive backcourt. Harden’s scoring and playmaking abilities are unmatched, and with Paul handling the primary playmaking duties, Harden can focus more on his offensive strengths. If these two can move past their history and find a way to complement each other, they could form a lethal duo.
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard provide elite two-way play. George’s versatility and Leonard’s lockdown defense and clutch scoring add incredible depth and flexibility on both ends of the floor. Zubac anchors the paint, offering solid defense and rebounding, which allows the other stars to focus on their strengths without worrying about the interior.
The bench features some key players who can maintain the intensity when the starters need a break. Kyle Lowry, coming off the bench, brings championship experience and veteran leadership. He’s still a capable playmaker and scorer, and his connection with DeRozan from their Toronto days could be crucial. DeMar DeRozan, as the sixth man, adds another layer of scoring and playmaking. He averaged 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds last season, proving he still has plenty left in the tank. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others makes him a perfect spark off the bench.
The Clippers Need to Capture a Title
The Los Angeles Clippers have faced repeated disappointments since acquiring Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in 2019. Despite entering each season with high expectations, the team has consistently fallen short of their championship aspirations.
In their first season together, the Clippers were favored to win it all but suffered a shocking second-round exit in the 2020 playoffs, blowing a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets. The 2020-21 season saw a slightly better outcome, with the Clippers reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history but losing to the Phoenix Suns in six games.
Injuries have plagued both stars, with Leonard missing the entire 2021-22 season due to an ACL injury and George dealing with various setbacks. These issues have significantly impacted the team’s performance and consistency. The 2021-22 season ended with the Clippers missing the playoffs entirely after losing in the play-in tournament.
The 2022-23 season saw the Clippers make it to the first round of the playoffs, where they faced the Phoenix Suns. Despite being one of the favorites, they were eliminated in five games, marking another disappointing end to a promising season.
This past season, the Clippers made a major move by trading for James Harden in an attempt to bolster their roster and finally capture that elusive title. The trade details were significant: the Clippers sent away Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, KJ Martin, and multiple draft picks to acquire Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. The addition of Harden brought hope and excitement, as his playmaking and scoring were expected to complement George and Leonard perfectly.
However, despite the high hopes, the Clippers struggled to find their rhythm. Chemistry issues and the usual injury concerns reared their heads once again. The team ended the regular season with a respectable record but fell short in the playoffs, failing to advance past the first round, losing in six games to the Dallas Mavericks.
As they look ahead to the 2024-25 season, this scenario sees the Clippers assembling what could be their most talented roster yet. With Chris Paul, James Harden, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac in the starting lineup, and a bench featuring veterans like Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, the team has the pieces to compete for a championship. But talent alone isn’t enough—they need to stay healthy, find cohesion, and overcome the mental hurdles that have plagued them in past playoff runs.
The time for excuses is over. The Clippers need to put it all together and capture a title. This team, built with All-Stars and future Hall of Famers, must finally deliver on its promise and bring a championship to Los Angeles.
