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LA Clippers Mailbag: Offseason plans, the playoffs, and the rookies

By Garrett Chorpenning

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 29: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on November 29, 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 - NOVEMBER 29: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on November 29, 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) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 03: Los Angeles Clippers consultant Jerry West talks with executive vice president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank at the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on April 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 03: Los Angeles Clippers consultant Jerry West talks with executive vice president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank at the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on April 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

What will the front office’s plan be if both KD and Kawhi pass on LA?

Question via @SNR_ward

Another great question, and another possibility that’s probably more likely than both of them coming to Los Angeles.

I have had some conversations about this exact question with writers closer to the organization than I am, but the answer here is still more speculation than anything else.

If both Kawhi and KD pass on the LA Clippers, I would expect the front office to reload and try again next year, with the next wave of free agents.

Here’s what I mean by that: The plan right now is stockpile as many expiring deals as possible, while still staying competitive, in hopes of maximizing cap space and signing big-name free agents once July rolls around. If Durant and Leonard choose not to sign with LA, they’ll just repeat the process — sign a bunch of solid guys to one-year deals, free up cap space, and pursue the best of the next wave. Eventually, it’s bound to work.

Obviously, it’d be much better if the plan works sooner rather than later. Next year’s free agent class is admittedly weaker than this year’s, with potential headliners including Kyle Lowry, Paul Millsap, and Hassan Whiteside. But there’s still plenty of other talent available there, and the LA Clippers could still build a contender with a certain combination of players like that if they so choose.

Alternatively, the front office could roll the dice on this year’s free agent class and make the best of what’s available to them. A team fronted by Irving and Butler could certainly compete, even if it doesn’t necessarily fit the mold that the front office is reportedly trying to pursue.

I still think they’ll go for the rinse-and-repeat method if their plans fail this summer, but if the Clippers are serious about the whole “Finals or bust” thing, then it might be worth taking a gamble on other stars and making the other pieces fit later.

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