From California Post · · 40s
Clippers Struggle After Kawhi Trade
Clippers face long-term relevance crisis despite Kawhi Leonard trade.
In brief
Clippers face long-term relevance crisis despite Kawhi Leonard trade. Clippers' salary cap penalties and lost draft picks make them unlikely to remain relevant through the 2030s. Originally reported by California Post.
Clippers Trade Kawhi Leonard
Clippers traded Kawhi Leonard to Toronto Raptors for draft assets.
“After the NBA’s punishment for their salary cap circumvention pushed them back several years”
Salary Cap Penalties
Clippers face year-long suspensions and forfeited draft picks.
“In addition to owner/chairman Steve Ballmer being suspended for a year”
Draft Capital Shortfall
Clippers lose five first-round picks and draft capital.
“The Clippers forfeited five first-round draft picks”
Rebuild Efforts
Clippers trade assets to accelerate rebuild.
“Trading James Harden to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland kicked off that rebuild”
Future Challenges
Clippers have few draft picks for next seven years.
“They’ll have zero first-round picks available to trade until the draft day”
Relevance Crisis
Clippers likely irrelevant through 2030s despite trade assets.
“The little brother franchise in Los Angeles appears destined to leave fans frustrated”
The takeaway
Clippers' salary cap penalties and lost draft picks make them unlikely to remain relevant through the 2030s.
