In what might maybe be the most important turnaround this season, the LA Clippers have a profitable file after beginning the season 15 video games under 500. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has spurred that huge turnaround, however a serious cloud hangs over the franchise on account of their star.
The NBA is at the moment investigating the Clippers and Leonard for alleged wage cap violations. Leonard reportedly obtained as much as $28 million in extra wage.
That would lead to him having his contract voided this summer time, thereby making him a free agent. Shedding him for nothing would harm the Clippers, at the least within the brief time period. Nevertheless, it might in the end be for one of the best.
Leonard being made a free agent a season early might release $50.3 million in wage for subsequent season. It might additionally take away the potential of L.A. extending him.
Nightmare Clippers state of affairs could surprisingly be blessing in disguise
Leonard, to his credit score, is having an superior season, however the Clippers most likely solely max out as a seventh or eighth seed. L.A. would not personal their very own first-round decide this season.
Thus, making the playoffs is the very best end result, however their commerce deadline strikes trace at them heading in a distinct route.
They traded star James Harden for Darius Garland, who’s a star in his personal proper, albeit 10 years youthful and injury-prone. The Clippers additionally acquired Ben Mathurin, a former lottery decide, whom they’ll possible attempt to re-sign this summer time.
The Clippers could be higher in the long term with out Kawhi Leonard
Having Leonard off the crew would power them to speculate extra in getting youthful. In an effort to try this, they may use the area created by Leonard’s departure to fill a number of key holes.
Being pressured to get youthful and cease prolonging a rebuild could assist the Clippers in the long term, even when shedding Leonard would sting within the brief time period.
