The Los Angeles Clippers saw their season come to a disappointing end after a crushing seven-game series loss to the Denver Nuggets. While the team displayed incredible grit through the first-round matchup, the exit does not bode well for the team’s future.
The Clippers find themselves at a very odd point in their latest project. Having broken up their initial superstar pairing of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the team witnessed some degree of success by replacing George with James Harden. Unfortunately, all of this success has been in the regular season, as the team hasn’t been able to make a deep run in the playoffs.
With an aging core, it is evident that the team is in a “win now” mode. Given the need to make adjustments, it is also abundantly clear that the Clippers need to be very certain about the personnel they acquire to facilitate winning.
The team has shown no intention of breaking up their core, and with the likelihood of Harden also picking up his player option, it is clear that he will be in Los Angeles for another season. Hence, we take a look at some other key moves the Clippers can make to help build a title-contending roster for the upcoming season.
Chris Paul Is A Free Agent, And Los Angeles Could Be His Next Destination
A key free agent signing the Clippers could target is former legend Chris Paul. The 40-year-old had some of the best years of his career during his first stint in Los Angeles. Now, entering free agency, he could look to retire with the team that nurtured him as a star.
Paul enjoyed consistent playoff appearances with the Clippers. Although he had more success in Phoenix, reaching the NBA Finals with the team in 2021, the guard has found himself bouncing around the league since being traded in the summer of 2023.
Following a failed run with the Golden State Warriors in the 2023-24 season, Paul joined the San Antonio Spurs, paired with rising star Victor Wembanyama. While the guard appeared in all 82 games for the team, an impressive feat at 39 years of age, the Spurs witnessed a gradual and disappointing descent to the bottom of the West.
The Spurs made some big moves to become a stronger team for the next season. With the No. 2 pick in the draft, they are expected to be even better. However, this ensured that Paul would find himself out of the lineup, inevitably entering free agency.
Paul’s availability on the market has been gauged by the Dallas Mavericks. The guard recorded a steady average of 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists on 42.7% FG.
His ability as a playmaker remains elite, and his experience of playing alongside James Harden is also bound to benefit the side. Whether it is as a starter or as a role player off the bench, Paul could prove to be a valuable pickup for a team looking to contend for a title.
The move would also favor Paul, as moving back to Los Angeles allows him to be closer to his family. However, the deal only works if the Clippers can sign him on a veteran minimum. While Dallas could offer a better deal, the organization will hope that the prioritizes personal reasons in this case.
Clippers Could Acquire Jrue Holiday In The Offseason
Another key acquisition for the Clippers in the offseason could be Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday. The reigning champions were eliminated from the playoffs in the second round itself. While this raised concerns regarding the team’s performance, the connotations are more dire.
Given Boston’s current salary structure, it is unlikely for the team to be able to retain some key players heading into the next season. Holiday is one of these players who may find themselves on the way out.
Several teams have displayed an interest in acquiring the 6x All-Defensive selection. In this regard, the Clippers could also attempt to acquire him via trade.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jrue Holiday
Boston Celtics Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn, 2031 second-round pick
A trade of this nature could be of huge benefit to Los Angeles. Holiday is a bona fide defender. Pairing him with Kawhi Leonard could instantly boost the team’s defensive integrity.
At 34 years old, he remains a productive player. With an average of 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, Holiday contributes in some capacity on both ends of the floor.
The Clippers do have the cap space to absorb Holiday’s $32.4 million cap hit next season. The notion of having him anchoring the defense with Norman Powell, Harden, and Leonard running rampant on offense is promising as well.
It is important to note that the guard has been a part of two championship teams in the past five years. Considering how much value he has brought to both, it is quite clear that the championship pedigree he brings could help LA take the next step.
The Los Angeles Clippers, as constructed, are a very well-coached team with all the right ingredients. They are simply a few adjustments away from winning it all.
Featuring Paul and Holiday in the backcourt, with Powell, Harden, and Leonard making up the frontcourt, allows the Clippers to have a high-octane, small-ball lineup to maximize offensive efficacy. This could be one of the many flexible rotations the team could have after making these moves.
The larger concerns that exist will be attributed to their superstar duo itself. With Leonard’s inconsistency with health and Harden’s repetitive disappearances in the playoffs, the organization may wish to re-evaluate whether they are willing to put their faith in their stars for another season.
