5 Trades Clippers should make to split up Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
By Tyler Watts
The LA Clippers thought adding Kawhi Leonard and Paul George would bring them a championship, but all that has come is disappointment in the first four years. They reached the conference finals in 2021, but Kawhi was hurt, and the Clippers had little chance without him. The Kawhi and PG13 era could be nearing a conclusion with three playoff appearances and just three postseason series wins.
Both stars have one year plus a player option remaining on their contract. They are extension eligible, but do the Clippers want to sign up for four more years of missed games and playoff heartbreak? Without an extension, they could become unrestricted free agents in 2024 and leave Los Angeles.
The front office has a decision to make before February’s trade deadline. Do they try to move on from their stars if a long-term contract is not in place? The Clippers are opening a new arena next season and want it to be with a contending roster. They need more games from Kawhi and PG, and it could be time to part ways if they are unable to play.
Trades LA Clippers should make to split up Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
5. Hawks swoop in for PG13
The Clippers desperately need an influx of youth on their roster. Their only rotation players under 30 are Ivica Zubac and Terrance Mann. Amir Coffey, Kobe Brown, Bones Hyland, Brandon Boston, or Kenyon Martin Jr. may crack the lineup, but the Clippers have eight players over 30.
If they are going to trade Kawhi or PG, LA must get younger and open up some cap space. The Clippers are exploring the market, but do not expect a deal. This hypothetical trade would be tough to make without a third team getting involved to take a center, but the framework looks like this.
The Hawks can only offer two first-round draft picks and three swaps, so the Clippers are getting everything possible. They also add two capable starters and Atlanta’s 2023 first-round selection. Hunter could take George’s place in the starting five, and Capela adds some rim protection in the middle.
This is not the biggest haul, but it could be the type of deal that the Clippers have to consider after George has played 189 games over the last four years combined. Expect LA to hold out for more, but this trade could set the Clippers up to make another deal for a star to pair with Kawhi Leonard.