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For LA Clippers, Maintaining Cap Space is Key During Trade Season

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 1: Sindarius Thornwell #0 and owner Steve Ballmer of the LA Clippers talk before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 1, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 1: Sindarius Thornwell #0 and owner Steve Ballmer of the LA Clippers talk before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 1, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 3: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors warms up, prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Denver Nuggets at Scotiabank Arena on December 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 3: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors warms up, prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Denver Nuggets at Scotiabank Arena on December 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Scenario #2: Only one star free agent joins

In my opinion, this is the most likely outcome. I haven’t been sucked into the Kevin Durant hype, but I’m all in on the Kawhi stuff. Only bringing him in keeps it sort of simple in regards to the cap.

If only Kawhi is coming in, the Clippers can keep most of the team together. Moving Avery Bradley would still help them, leaving only $47,342,950 in guaranteed contracts next season.

They could then renounce everyone, sign Kawhi and keep Tobias Harris. His hold, alongside the 30% max-contract would have the team sitting around $96,542,950. This would allow them to add a few other free agents since they would have around $13 million available to spend. Once players are added, Tobias could be re-signed with his Bird Rights.

This scenario seems a lot more doable and doesn’t endanger losing a valuable piece in Gallinari or Harris and one of Williams or Harrell.

That $13 million could be helpful in bringing in a decent center while fortifying the bench with other minimum contract players. They would also be eligible for the mid-level exception once they were over the cap. For reference, both Mike Scott and Luc Mbah a Moute were brought in by using that this past summer.

A trio of Leonard, Harris and Gallinari might not scream big three like some others do, but with the way this Clippers’ roster has played this season, adding an All-Star talent like Leonard could be enough to take them over the hump.

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