# Clippers Struggle After Kawhi Trade

> Clippers face long-term relevance crisis despite Kawhi Leonard trade.
- Title: Clippers Struggle After Kawhi Trade · California Post
- Summary: Clippers face long-term relevance crisis despite Kawhi Leonard trade. Clippers' salary cap penalties and lost draft picks make them unlikely to remain…
- Keywords: clippers, kawhi leonard, nba, raptors, salary cap, draft picks, steppen rule, news, entertainment, Struggle, Kawhi, Trade
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/16/sports/clippers-irrelevant-despite-kawhi-leonard-raptors-trade-assets
- Published: 2026-09-16T17:28:33+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: clippers, kawhi leonard, nba, raptors, salary cap, draft picks, steppen rule, news, entertainment
## 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
## Key takeaway

Clippers' salary cap penalties and lost draft picks make them unlikely to remain relevant through the 2030s.