Even if the Los Angeles Clippers’ Big 3 stays together for one more year, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are expected to opt out of their contracts after the 2016-17 season.
By all indications, the Los Angeles Clippers will have their last shot at a championship in the Lob City era in the 2016-17 season. The dramatic injuries to Chris Paul and Blake Griffin ended their season early this year, which immediately throws all pressure from an early playoff exit to an offseason that could drastically alter the future of the franchise.
We can hypothesize for days on end, but we still can’t know whether or not Doc Rivers will trade a member of the Big 3, providing he stays in his dual role as head coach and president of basketball operations. All we do know is that it’s certainly a possibility.
Beyond the immediate future of this summer, we now know that even if Paul and Griffin stay in L.A. for another year, the 2016-17 season could be their last.
Doc Rivers says he wants to keep the #Clippers core together one more season. He said he also expects both Blake & CP3 to opt out afterward.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 2, 2016
Both Paul and Griffin are under contract for next season with a player option for 2017-18, giving them all the power in a situation that would bring the most successful part of Clippers history — the Lob City era — to an end.
It’s hardly surprising that is expected to be the case if Doc keeps the core in tact for one final run, though. Paul will be turning 31 in a few days time, and as he approaches his mid thirties after 2016-17, he won’t be waiting around to put himself in the best position possible for a championship. His knowledge of the game and ability to run an offense with such poise and efficiency is unmatched, and that skill set not heavily relying on athleticism means he can still improve whichever team he joins.
As for Griffin, the chance of him being traded beforehand is higher. So, if he isn’t dealt this summer, opting out after next season as the championship window closes along with Paul’s possible exit makes sense for him. Plus, the surging salary cap gives both a chance to pick up new max contracts, which will surely be the last max Paul gets in his illustrious career.
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Alternatively, both players could opt out in order to work out new contracts. Although, despite the rising cap, they’d hardly be doing a team like the Clippers any favors given the amount of highly paid stars on the roster if they want to assemble a deep team that can truly go for a title. After another season without a ring, it seems increasingly likely both players and the team will be ready to move on.
If a joint departure of the Paul-Griffin duo comes, the Clippers’ future could go in two very opposite directions.
If the team are able to use their ton of cap space when the pair leaves to sign new star free agents, maybe they can keep themselves in a position to contend for a spot near the top of the Western Conference. If they find themselves unable to do so, they’ll need to bite the bullet and settle for a decline, instead setting their sights on some long overdue success in the draft.
Next: Do the Clippers need a new backup point guard?
Ultimately, whether a trade is made this summer or we wait until the end of next season, the Clippers’ Big 3 isn’t far from its final chapter.