Although the LA Clippers have most of their roster set for the playoffs, the front office still has several moves to make through the trade deadline. This is a pivotal date for fans to mark on their calendars, as the Clippers could make the appropriate changes based on what they have seen thus far.
Moreover, before the fans and media received positive injury updates on two-way superstar Kawhi Leonard, it seemed the Clippers would keep the current roster the way it is. This was the best call, as former MVP James Harden kept his team alive in the stacked Western Conference playoff race.
However, once the Clippers made Leonard’s return date official, plans immediately shifted toward change. The front office has plenty of time to observe how both sides of the ball perform with the two-time champion back in the rotation. If certain players do not meet expectations, they may be included in trade offers around the league.
With Kawhi Leonard on the court, an ESPN expert suggests the LA Clippers will be the most improved team after the deadline.
Throughout the next month of action, LA Clippers’ executives will evaluate how the team performs with Kawhi Leonard back in the mix. Some players will thrive with less pressure, and others will collapse under limited playing time. Nonetheless, the front office must elevate the Clippers’ winning template by any means possible.
Everyone but Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac will be available at the deadline. If the offer is substantial, the Clippers must move forward with the trade process.
Furthermore, ESPN expert Jamal Collier recently mentioned how the Clippers will be the team that improves most beyond the trade deadline. This could be an accurate prediction, depending on the impact of LA’s contributing role players.
More specifically, bench players Kevin Porter Jr. and Mo Bamba are on thin ice each time they check into action. They have been extremely disappointing after being acquired in early July. Additionally, executive Lawrence Frank could monitor how forward Nicolas Batum performs next to Leonard.
If Batum decelerates, Frank will discuss his future with head coach Tyronn Lue. If the final verdict is a nullified fit, Batum may be involved in a package that boosts the Clippers’ championship volume.
That said, the Clippers will be shoppers at the trade deadline, with Leonard moving toward 100%. If a beneficial deal is on the table, Frank should accept instantly, as the bottom line is to win the NBA Finals.