To maximize the accelerated clock of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden's time together as an electric, complementary duo, the front office must have a strict, effective offseason scheme. They must not be frugal with their pieces, as the only untouchable is star center Ivica Zubac.
Furthermore, Harden and Leonard had concerns about performance issues in the playoffs, but team executives still view them highly. The front-court help and extra offensive support were the main red flags for the Clippers against the Denver Nuggets.
These changes have a minimal clock attached to them, as Leonard's health is unpredictable and Harden is closing in on the final stage of his professional career. Ultimately, time is not in their favor as they are desperate to celebrate a championship in the Intuit Dome.
Specifically, Harden is at the point where he must ring-chase. He is one of the greatest shooting guards ever, but to put the cherry on top of his legendary career, he must add the most important piece of hardware to his profound collection.
That said, what better way to go all-in than to trade additional draft capital and one of LA's star-caliber players for another superstar?
Of the superstars that could be made available in the offseason, the Clippers' conversations should be with the Bucks
As another team that lost early, the Milwaukee Bucks could be a team looking to rebuild in the summer. They did win a championship in 2021, but after 2022, they have been allergic to winning in the first round.
Moreover, the price on Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be economical, as he is the greatest Bucks player to ever walk through the home tunnel. His career was developed from a young kid to a megastar in Milwaukee, and their front office will be particular about what they want in return.
However, the LA Clippers have two picks this year, one in the first round and a first in 2031. These, coupled with Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., and Bogdan Bogdanović, would seal the deal.
The Bucks will have better offers available, which is fair, but if Antetokounmpo states his preference in the Clippers, Milwaukee's front office will want to accept out of respect for all he accomplished.
Landing Antetokounmpo gives the Clippers another superstar and solves their needs in the offense and front-court. This is the best approach to adding more firepower, making them heavy favorites to triumph the Western Conference next season.