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Playoffs seem unlikely after Tobias trade, but that’s part of the plan

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Jerry West and Steve Ballmer of the LA Clippers talk before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at STAPLES Center on November 15, 2018 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Jerry West and Steve Ballmer of the LA Clippers talk before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at STAPLES Center on November 15, 2018 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After trading away Tobias Harris, it seems unlikely that the LA Clippers make the playoffs this season. However, that may be part of the plan.

Mere hours after hitting a game-winning shot in a comeback victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Tobias Harris was traded from the LA Clippers to the Philadelphia 76ers — his fifth NBA team in seven professional years.

The assets that were returned — Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala and four future draft picks — are all great, and will each help the Clippers in one way or another, whether that be with cap flexibility or as potential trade assets.

Above all, though, the move signaled that the Clippers care far less about what happens this season than they do about this summer, when they could potentially add Kawhi Leonard — or any other superstar free agent of their liking.

The trade has only just happened, but already it seems like one of the most overlooked parts of the deal is what will happen with the LA Clippers’ own first-round pick in this year’s NBA Draft. In the event that the Clippers would make the playoffs, the pick would convey to the Boston Celtics, who could then use the pick in trade negotiations. However, the Clippers would retain the pick if they end up in the Draft Lottery once again.

Since Boston is reportedly in on Anthony Davis, that pick would likely be one that they would include in any potential deal for the superstar forward. By missing the playoffs, the Clippers can give themselves more leverage over at least one potential suitor for Davis.

That pick could become a valuable asset for LA, regardless of how it’s used (or who it’s used for). Of course, the obvious move right now would be to include it in a package for Davis, who has reportedly made it known that he would be willing to re-sign with the Clippers if he were to be traded there.

The Clippers could also use that pick in trade negotiations this summer, if there’s any doubt as to whether they’ll miss the playoffs or not from other teams. By that point, not only could they include their own, but could also include both first-round picks acquired from the Harris trade.

Of course, LA could also hang on to their own pick and hope for the best with the Draft Lottery, as this year’s class is significantly deep.

dark. Next. Highlighting each piece returned in the Tobias Harris trade

Whichever way the Clippers decide to go, it seems unlikely that they’ll continue to push for a playoff spot. With eyes set towards the future, this franchise appears ready to start competing for a title, rather than for a first round meeting with the Golden State Warriors or Denver Nuggets.

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