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LA Clippers: Three New Year’s Resolutions for the team

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 23, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 23, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 14, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 14, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

Resolution 2: Get that superstar!

2019 is the summer of the free agent. While many guys will be available, it is no secret that the LA Clippers are targeting two specific guys: Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard.

Getting both would be amazing, but is likely a pipe dream. Durant is arguably the better player of the two, but Leonard is younger and seems like the more likely player for the Clippers to land.

Leonard has made it clear in the past that he wants to play in Los Angeles. He is finding success in Toronto this season, but it will be a tough sell to keep him in Canada. With LeBron James already on the Lakers, it is hard to see Leonard wanting to play with The King and the media circus that is associated with him.

With the team opting to not completely rebuild and instead re-tool, this summer means everything. The Clips need to keep themselves in the position to land one, or both, of these players, so making any trades that involve contracts coming back that extend past this season wouldn’t make sense.

Yes, a few things still have to be done to get their guy. If the team actually ends up getting the interest of both Kawhi and KD, the roster will need adjustments. Danilo Gallinari may have to be moved. Tobias Harris likely couldn’t be brought back.

If only one comes, the path is a lot easier. It’s possible that Gallo could stay and Harris could be brought back and only minimal guys from this year would have to be let go. (Looking at you Gortat and Bradley)

Whatever happens will be interesting, but fans are collectively holding their breath as the team positions itself to make a big run this summer and hop right back into contention with only two years of not being in the playoffs.

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