As a team with a significant market that continues to grow, the LA Clippers and their fans may not see the start-from-scratch rebuild through to the next era. There is simply no need, as the front office can utilize the sightseeing in Los Angeles to attract free agents in their primes rather than rolling the dice on a young, supposedly promising star in the draft.
Furthermore, the Clippers' "rebuild" has a coming-soon sign written all over the current roster, as the team is aging, and despite their experience being a valuable trait, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard will not be able to continue producing at a high level for another decade.
Inevitably, the Clippers will replace their current superstars with younger ones, and the most popular and favorable pick among the fan base is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rightfully so, he has MVPs, Defensive Player of the Year awards, which are both plural for multiple, and a championship, to prove his name will rank first in the 2027 free agent market.
However, the Clippers should not put all their eggs in one basket, hoping Antetokounmpo chooses them for their convincing efforts, as the nine-time All-Star will have championship contenders lined up to chase him.
That said, inside sources hint at Trae Young being an unrestricted free agent next summer, and the Clippers could mount their future around him if next season ends in an unplanned manner.
The LA Clippers could be the dark horse team to land Trae Young in free agency next summer
In the most recent "The Stein Line" article, Jake Fischer discusses how Trae Young could become a free agent next summer by declining the player option that exists in his current contract with the Atlanta Hawks.
Moreover, Young's success with the Hawks stopped, for good, after his run to the Eastern Conference Finals, and the star guard may choose to sign to a bigger market, such as one within the LA Clippers, as they can lure in more prominent talents and still have a pretty penny to offer him.
Young signing with the Clippers would end what LA has with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, but this means the future would be brighter than ever with Ivica Zubac. Additionally, there would be spare change that could be used on another star or high-end role play to staff next to the iconic Oklahoma Sooner.
That said, the Clippers' future will surely ride on what happens next season, but if a championship is not won, the path to obtain Young appears as clear as the morning sky.