Since the orchestration of Kawhi Leonard’s extension in January of 2024, the LA Clippers’ front office put together a plot that would give them an ample amount of time, through the 2026-27 season, to win a championship. This carved out the pathway for other veterans on the team, such as James Harden, Nicolas Batum, and Brook Lopez.
Furthermore, the same will apply to Chris Paul, if he has two more seasons in his tank; Norman Powell, if both sides can find the right medium for an extension; and others who are acquired this summer and by the 2026 trade deadline.
Executive Lawrence Frank is playing chess, rather than checkers, as most would, as he plans to play the next two seasons by ear, filling his plate with as much talent and experience as possible, and fighting to win a championship until the wheels fall off.
If the deadline of 2027 arrives, and the following season-opener is not set to begin with a ring ceremony, then a rebuild will inevitably occur. This means holding on to just a few players, such as Ivica Zubac, and trading everyone else, while also dismissing members of the coaching staff and front office.
Nonetheless, with the trade value of the Clippers’ franchise stars decreasing and new lows being reached each postseason, Frank has a serious question to ask himself.
Should the LA Clippers' front office go against their original plan and kick off their long-awaited rebuild sooner?
The LA Clippers have been bounced in the first round, missed the playoffs, and blown a 3-1 lead in recent memory, all of which are historically disappointing for a team employing superstars, talented role players, and experienced veterans. Yet, the front office is avoiding a rebuild, even with young contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets having improved significantly over the last few seasons.
Moreover, the longer the Clippers hold on to the present, the lower the return they will receive on Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. This will only make the process of regaining their championship-contending window, with a young but powerful team, harder.
One more season of contending would be understandable, as a major issue in the second unit was resolved, but anything after is illogical. That would mark the end of a seven-year era of trial and error, mostly halted due to injury.
That said, the answer to this question is ultimately up to Frank, but the best long-term outcome would stem from trying one last season(2025-26). If failure occurs, the ship must be sailed in 2026 en route to new beginnings.