Based on recent rumors, Kristaps Porzingis’ time with the Golden State Warriors seems to be coming to an end. He’s away from the team right now, but not with permission, it seems. The Warriors are reportedly not paying his contract right now. But if the LA Clippers keep struggling like they have been, a trade for Porzingis could make some sense.
LA is in a tough spot. Obviously, the Kawhi Leonard saga put them back many years, but clearing the books and planning for the future makes sense. Porzingis’ contract isn’t fully guaranteed past this season, so it’s basically an expiring contract. So, if the Clippers trade a multi-year deal for him, it could help them hit the financial reset button a little bit.
Obviously, a trade for Porzingis could signal the virtual end of the Clippers’ season, so they should only make a deal if they get desperate. But that point could come.
Clippers should consider Kristaps Porzingis trade if things get dire
As I’m writing this, LA is 1-6 this season. That’s not exactly putting them in a great position to compete for a playoff (or even Play-In Tournament) spot by the end of the year.
It probably won’t get better next year, either. LA doesn’t have a ton of wiggle room to make big-time moves, and if anything, they should try to acquire draft capital to get younger.
Darius Garland makes $42.2 million this season and will make $44.9 million next year. Brandon Ingram makes $40 million this year and has a player option worth $41.9 next season.
It would be relatively difficult for the Warriors to fully match either of those two contracts in a trade, but if they found a way, taking on the Porzingis deal could make some sense for the Clippers.
In the right situation, capitalizing on Rui Hachimura’s trade value could also make sense for LA. If the Warriors attach enough draft capital in a deal, the Clippers should be willing to listen.
Porzingis is making $20 million this season – though the Warriors aren’t paying it right now. And he could make $20 million next season, too, but that number is non-guaranteed.
So, if the Clippers were to add Porzingis in a trade, they would effectively be trading for an expiring contract. That benefits their books, as they wouldn’t have to pay as much money next year.
It could free them up to make some changes this summer, and that’s something they should definitely be interested in.
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