Following countless disappointing seasons, speculation and a potential rebuild are beginning to rise around the LA Clippers. The primary cause of this disappointment points directly to health concerns, which are out of the team’s control. However, this has been an issue the Clippers have been dragging for over a decade.
Furthermore, it seems as if the Clippers are hurt in nearly every postseason. This has been the root of why the franchise has yet to make an NBA finals appearance, and the front office should be ready to move on.
Though the LA Clippers may not have many first-round picks to offer, they still have two of the best two-way talents in the NBA. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are in the midst of their prime years, and this is a component the front office must take advantage of before it’s too late.
Moreover, there is only a select list of teams throughout the league that are one superstar short of championship contention. Leonard, in particular, could utilize his talents and veteran experience to guide a squad like the Portland Trail Blazers to the promised land. Pairing him with another top-ten talent in Damian Lillard would be unfair to the rest of the NBA.
That said, a trade between these two teams would be the perfect start to a rebuild for the LA Clippers. Portland has various young talents that head coach Tyronn Lue and his staff could take advantage of in exchange for one of their superstars. It is only a matter of risk for Portland, as Leonard brings a bit of injury concern.