Although Kawhi Leonard can play either forward position, the LA Clippers' starting rotation would be in a much more prosperous position if he played in the slot he is accustomed to. This means small forward for Leonard, which could yield stronger availability, as he would not have to exert as much energy defending guys with an interior, big-man playstyle.
However, to adjust to this and thrive next season, the Clippers will need to branch out and acquire a power forward who can spread the floor while still serving as a top-scoring option. Kevin Durant was available at one point, but with his trade to the Houston Rockets, the market for star talents this summer has narrowed.
Moreover, the Clippers could soon be rewarded for their patience, as they did not entertain any offers for Durant that surrounded Ivica Zubac. Even if the two-time champion were not viewed as a potential one-year rental, shipping the Croatian star would not have been worth it due to where Durant is at in age(36, soon to be 37).
Their prize could come from the Minnesota Timberwolves, as major changes within their roster became evident yesterday when Naz Reid declined his player option and signed a five-year, $125 million contract.
Just in: Minnesota Timberwolves' Naz Reid intends to sign a new five-year, $125 million contract to stay with the franchise, including a player option, sources tell ESPN. Critical agreement between the Wolves and Reid's agents, Sean Kennedy and Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports. pic.twitter.com/FF9MjGvwb9
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2025
This payday for Reid suggests that one of the two high-value players in Minnesota's rotation, Julius Randle or Nickeil Alexander-Walker, will likely exit this offseason.
With Minnesota extending Naz Reid, the Clippers should make an offer for three-time All-Star Julius Randle
With a $30.9 million player option for the last year of his contract, Julius Randle may realize that he would receive more financial gain if he opts in. Conversely, this would not be a problem for the LA Clippers, as they have the pieces to trade for his production.
LA's offer for Randle must include Norman Powell, but the extra salary filler would be Drew Eubanks. Executive Lawrence Frank could also toss in a future second-round pick.
Conversely, although this gives the Clippers a multi-time All-Star, Randle's impact on winning has always been a topic of controversy. He has never made it to the NBA Finals, and before his recent playoff run, the All-NBA forward had two atrocious, inefficient postseasons with the New York Knicks, with true shooting percentages of 42.5 in 2020-21 and 48.5 in 2022-23.
That said, pursuing Randle carries a debatable risk, but he would be a third option in LA, a role in which he should easily be able to flourish.