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.
4. Warriors swap CP3 for PG13
The Warriors acquired Chris Paul this offseason, but questions remain about his fit. Do the Dubs go small with Stephen Curry and CP3 starting in the backcourt or does Paul come off the bench for the first time in his career? Can the legendary point guard fit into the Dubs’ flow offense? If things are not working, Golden State could be ready to move on before the trade deadline.
The Clippers need a ball-handler that can run their offense and make plays. CP3 would be back in LA with his family and eager to set up Kawhi.
Both teams are over the second tax apron and cannot take back more money than they receive in a trade. That means a third team would have to be involved, and the Spurs make the most sense as they look to add more talent and draft capital around Victor Wembanyama.
This is not 2016. Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul can no longer carry a team to a championship, but LA is eager to add a young former lottery pick and two first-rounders. They ship Payton II and Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Spurs to make this trade work, but it gives LA a chance to compete now and some future upside.
This is a light return for Paul George. The Clippers get just two first-round picks. That would have to believe that Chris Paul is a difference-maker right now and that Jonathan Kuminga turns into a key role player on a contender. Both are stretches, but this could be the best they can do if George expresses a desire to leave next summer.
3. Heat pivot to Kawhi
The Miami Heat are always chasing the next available star. Damian Lillard has requested a trade and made it clear he wants to be in Miami, but there has been no traction on a deal. The Heat are limited in what they can offer, and the Blazers have no interest in Tyler Herro with three young guards already on their roster.
There is no pressure to make a deal right now, but if things do not move forward as training camp approaches, both sides may have to move on. Miami will be looking for the next available superstar, and they would love to add Kawhi Leonard.
Do the Clippers believe in Herro? The 23-year-old has averaged over 20 points per game for two straight seasons, but his playing time and production dipped in the 2022 playoffs before an injury last season. Can he transform into an All-Star in his prime? The 6’5 guard must improve his defense and playmaking, which have been slow in developing.
Martin was impactful in their 2023 run to the NBA Finals, and Kyle Lowry gives the Clippers some added playmaking. Two first-round draft picks and two swaps are light for a star like Leonard, but he too could inform the team of his desire to leave in the summer of 2024.
Kawhi Leonard seems more likely to stay than Paul George, but the LA Clippers should explore the market if the Klaw wants out.
2. Knicks push in for PG13
The New York Knicks are chasing a star and are eager to move quickly. They have all of their first-round draft picks plus four selections from other teams. Three could come in 2024, so now is the time to make a blockbuster.
Paul George is the perfect fit next to Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. When healthy, PG13 is a versatile two-way wing that can handle the ball, make plays, score, space the floor, and defend multiple positions. He would be fantastic in New York, but are the Knicks willing to go all-in for him?
The Clippers get three players that can immediately jump into their rotation and three first-round picks. R.J. Barrett has All-Star potential, but he must improve on both ends of the floor. Quickley is an intriguing sixth man with Evan Fournier hoping to have a bounce-back season. The three first-round picks make it a strong package that would be difficult to pass on.
Health is the key to this deal. If Paul George goes to the Big Apple and plays 70 games per season, the Clippers may regret this trade. Judging by the last four seasons, this could be a steal for LA. It is an intriguing trade that both sides may have to consider before the deadline.
1. Raptors shake things up in PG13 challenge trade
The Raptors are facing a difficult decision too. Pascal Siakam is entering the final year of his contract. Toronto missed the playoffs last season and lost Fred VanVleet in free agency. Is a rebuild on the horizon, or do they sign Siakam long-term and build a better roster around him?
Siakam has been in the rumors, and a challenge trade might benefit both sides. Paul George gives the Raptors an elite scorer at the three that would bring some added versatility. Siakam is bigger, younger, and closer to his prime. All of those traits could interest LA.
Challenge trades rarely happen in the modern NBA, but this could be one. It won’t, but the Clippers should consider it. Siakam is four years younger and fits nicely with Kawhi Leonard. He would help solve the Clippers’ playmaking issues too.
This trade will never happen. Both sides would ask for draft capital and neither would budge on giving it up, but it is worth considering. The Raptors get a slight upgrade, and the Clippers receive a healthy All-Star that should play 70 games.
The LA Clippers might have to split up Kawhi Leonard and Paul George before the trade deadline, but can they find a deal that keeps them in contention? Stay tuned to find out.
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