If the LA Clippers aim to have a season where they finish as a top-three seed, accelerate through the Western Conference playoffs, and win the NBA Finals, they will need assistance from a third superstar. Their current course to success will remain tough against teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Though superstars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are great, their limitations can stem the Clippers from achieving championship glory. Leonard's inconsistent health will impair LA, and Harden's regular-season workload could influence inefficiency and poor shot selection in the playoffs.
Moreover, the Clippers will have the chance to target Kevin Durant, another prime-time superstar, if they believe a title run is in their short-term destiny. He is still talented, willing, and capable enough to win a ring, especially next to Harden and Leonard.
This season, the four-time scoring champion has averaged 26.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 53 games. He was also named an all-star and is on track to receive all-NBA honors after the regular season. This is exceptional status for a 36-year-old wing dominating in his 17th year.
Conversely, regardless of how eager the front office is to land Durant, they will still have to meet the Phoenix Suns' asking price. This could push the Clippers out of the race, as the rumored cost exceeds the team's budget.
The Suns may want a brand new future for Kevin Durant, which the Clippers do not have to offer
For a player like Kevin Durant, who is a stud but could retire within the next few seasons, the most the LA Clippers can comfortably give up is Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanović, Derrick Jones Jr., and draft picks. Pieces may be added or removed to reach salary requirements, but this is a rough idea of what the proposal would come out to be.
Stars Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac are assumed to be off the table.
Furthermore, the Suns' rumored listing for Durant includes multiple first-round picks and a rising star. Given the circumstances of their future, the Clippers will not even bother reaching for this expense.
That said, Phoenix will have to lower the ticket to receive legitimate inquiries from opposing contenders. They want a return similar to what they gave the Brooklyn Nets, and if the rumored price is firm, the Clippers will have to continue searching the market.