Over the last two weeks, it has become clear that the LA Clippers aim to run it back with their current roster. Not only did they re-sign Russell Westbrook and Mason Plumlee, but they have shown significant interest in some of the best stars on the trade block.
One of these stars is Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden. Although reports began to spread that the former MVP has a severe interest in joining the Clippers, the 76ers’ front office is playing the patient game and searching for the best return. If not, Harden could stay put and enter unrestricted free agency next offseason.
In the process of Harden’s trade request to LA, another star has leaped into the Clippers’ radar. A seven-time all-star, Damian Lillard, has requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. His preferred destination is the Miami Heat, but the LA Clippers have been considered one of the several teams interested.
Despite re-signing Russell Westbrook, the Clippers are still monitoring Damian Lillard and James Harden, per @latimes pic.twitter.com/8RV1TYZCNK
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 4, 2023
Furthermore, a trade package for Lillard will likely consist of multiple high-quality players and future draft picks. At first thought, this may seem like a loss for the Clippers considering how deep they are and where they stand in their hunt for a championship. However, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are nearing the end of their primes. This essentially means that if LA wants to make something out of their new-era superstars, they will have to be all in on trading for a player of Lillard’s caliber.
Additionally, a trio of Lillard, George, and Leonard would be unstoppable.