3 difficult offseason decisions the LA Clippers need to make

2. Trading for Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard’s situation in Portland is something the LA Clippers could look to take advantage of. He is aiming to win games, and the Clippers are arguably in the best position in the Western Conference. He would also receive the opportunity to play with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, along with multiple quality veterans.

Conversely, a trade for Damian Lillard would be challenging. He recently signed a two-year, $122 million contract extension to remain in Portland. If the Clippers were to make a trade, they would have to include players like Norman Powell, Eric Gordon, and Terance Mann, as well as multiple draft picks.

If the Clippers’ front office were to trade for a star of Lillard’s caliber, they would be unable to add any high-quality role players due to the amount of cap space they can hold. This decision could make or break the team’s championship aspirations. This trade would also impact the future as LA would be trading draft picks to make this a fair package.

In addition, trading for a point guard like Damian Lillard would likely mean Russell Westbrook’s time in LA would end. This would be a difficult decision for the franchise’s future, as Westbrook has answered every phone call and gone beyond what he was expected to do.

Moreover, Portland may have a high asking price for its franchise centerpiece. These two sides would have to work out a deal to send Lillard to LA without trading Leonard or George, along with a near-untouchable piece in Ivica Zubac.