In early February, the Clippers made a significant shift by trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac, aiming to create more salary cap room for a top free agent in 2027 while also focusing on their younger talent.
With Paul George set to leave in free agency during the summer of 2024, Kawhi Leonard is now the only remaining star on the team. Interestingly, Harden had expressed interest in moving to the contending Cavaliers.
This sudden change for the Clippers comes after a period of success, as they had just recorded a remarkable 17 wins and 5 losses, establishing themselves as one of the strongest teams in the NBA at the trade deadline.
Currently, the Clippers sit at 10th place in the Western Conference with a record of 26 wins against 28 losses. As the regular season wraps up with just 28 games remaining, here are three key storylines surrounding the team.
1. What does this mean for Kawhi Leonard?
Leonard seems to have regained his health and is playing at an impressive level. Overall, he missed a staggering 226 regular-season games and several playoff series since joining the Clippers in 2019.
Recently, though, he’s been performing like his former self. He’s averaging a career-high of 27.9 points per game and currently leads the league in steals with 2.1. During the All-Star Game, he showcased his skills by scoring 31 points in just 12 minutes—remarkably hitting 11 out of 13 shots and sinking 6 of 7 three-point attempts, including a clutch game-winner.
Toward the season’s conclusion, Leonard was eager to leverage his talent to help the Clippers improve in the Western Conference following a challenging start of 6-21. But the team’s recent decisions have shifted his focus.
He remarked, “This is a complete change from what we thought we could potentially do. I’m not saying we were the favorites, but we thought we could make some noise and ruin someone’s season.” Now, attention turns to whether Leonard will be part of the team’s future during this rebuilding phase.
2. Can Darius Garland make an impact?
In trading Harden, the Clippers brought in Darius Garland, a two-time All-Star at just 26 years old. Coach Tyronn Lue sees potential in him, hoping to utilize him similarly to how a young Kyrie Irving was used.
While Harden undoubtedly holds more accolades at present, Garland could emerge as a star and certainly brings speed to the game that the team might require. However, his health remains a concern; he’s recovering from toe surgery and has played only 26 games this season. He had been aiming for a debut with the Clippers soon, but that might now be pushed to March.
3. What’s happening with the NBA investigation into the Clippers?
The Clippers’ season has been cast under a shadow due to an NBA investigation concerning allegations that they circumvented the salary cap to secure Leonard’s $28 million contract. Owner Steve Ballmer, along with president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank and Leonard himself, has denied any misconduct and expressed support for the inquiry.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted that the investigation is still ongoing. He emphasized the complexity of the situation, indicating that there are many documents and witnesses involved. While the Clippers appear to be cooperating fully, Silver stated that he is committed to acting on the findings, whatever they may reveal.
“I am completely indebted to the Constitution and the CBA,” he asserted. “I believe in the rule of law.”
