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LA Clippers blockbuster trade creates a bright future

By Brian Cullen

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 1: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers handles the ball 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: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers handles the ball 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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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Hot Dog eating champion Joey Chestnut and Los Angeles Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer compete in a hot dog eating contest during an NBA game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers on February 28, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Hot Dog eating champion Joey Chestnut and Los Angeles Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer compete in a hot dog eating contest during an NBA game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers on February 28, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Scenario 1

This is the last of the moves for the season and the Clippers stay competitive. With Gallo shooting lights out and a Rolodex of serviceable guards the team could very well continue to compete and make a playoff spot. This would show any potential free agent that the team is full of capable and talent rotation players that just need a superstar to contend.

Scenario 2

These moves are indication that the team is no longer interested in making the playoffs. The team felt like it had hit a ceiling and wasn’t showing signs of returning to the November Clippers that took everyone by surprise in the beginning of the season. By no longer competing for a playoff spot the Clippers keep their 2019 pick from going to Boston due to its lottery protection. This would only add to the stack of draft selections they just stashed in the cabinet. The team is barely holding on to the 8th seed in the West which is most likely a first-round beating by the All-Star Warriors. By shipping out the summers’ plan B (Tobias Harris) then the team uses its gathered picks to go into full-blown rebuild if they strikeout this summer.

Scenario 3

This is just the beginning. This trade could just be the catalyst of more moves to come. With more and more stars requesting to be traded and teams wanting first round picks in return *cough cough Anthony Davis*, the Clippers are now ready. All these acquired draft assets could be flipped into a deal to bring in a big name. If the team plays its cards right they can move the picks and some contracts for a star now, and still have cap space for up to two more max salaries this summer. This whole thing could just be the first step in a huge ploy to put together a monster squad of talent.

Scenario 4

All of the above. The team put itself in a position to choose any of the scenarios listed depending on how the rest of the season plays out. Suddenly a disgruntled star wants a new home? They’re ready to make an offer that competes with anyone else. The team isn’t looking like playoff team? No worries, the cabinet is full of picks now and they just add another one. One that can be flipped into something else this summer. These new guys gel and look great with the existing cast? Great. Let’s see what they can do against the top talent in the conference. It would be fun to see a bunch of role players stress out All-Stars in the post season right?

Next. Danilo Gallinari could return Thursday. dark

No matter comes the Clippers way the team seems more prepared than ever to handle it. This trade open up the door for the franchise to control its own destiny. And who knows, anything can happen in the grips of the trade deadline chaos. Either way, the future continues to look bright for the LA Clippers.

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