The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves in a difficult position, with their current era of basketball coming to an end. While the decisions made by the team were defensible at the time, they ultimately did not lead to success. Trading for Paul George and doubling down on James Harden seemed like reasonable moves, but they did not result in a championship.
Kawhi Leonard, who was expected to be a key player for the Clippers, is now dealing with injuries that may prevent him from returning to his previous form. The team’s plan of building around three stars has not worked out as intended.
The Clippers now face the challenge of rebuilding without many assets at their disposal. Their first-round picks are tied up until 2030 and there is no notable young talent on the roster. Tanking is not an option for them.
To dig themselves out of this hole, the Clippers will need to take a different approach. They may have to follow a similar path as the Brooklyn Nets did before signing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. This means winning on smaller moves while creating a path towards acquiring a star player within a reasonable timeframe.
Free agency could play a role in this rebuild, as stars may look to build their own winners on more flexible teams rather than getting traded to existing contenders. The Clippers’ draft picks and expiring contracts could make them an attractive destination for free agents in 2026.
While it won’t be easy, there are paths back to relevance available for the Clippers if they are willing to be patient and make smart moves. It’s clear that their current plan has failed, so it’s time for them to adapt and find new ways forward.
