As 2024-25 has been the LA Clippers' first season under Intuit Dome, owner Steve Ballmer and executive Lawrence Frank will spare no effort to maintain the franchise's championship contention rank. This is the best decision, as the window to win with two superstars will not return soon after the rebuild begins.
The front office may trade assets and draft picks to acquire a third superstar to magnify their current investments.
Moreover, the option to shake the NBA will emerge, as the Phoenix Suns' superstar and NBA great Kevin Durant is expected to be moved in the summer. This is embedded in years of playoff disappointment and how this season has been played.
One of the top targets in the rumors thus far has been the Dallas Mavericks. Though they recently traded Luka Dončić, a franchise guard, Dallas may look to combine Durant's talents with superstars Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
The reasoning in Dallas adds up, as Durant would dominate next to Davis and has a deep-rooted friendship with Irving that grew in the years they spent together with the Brooklyn Nets.
Conversely, an NBA insider and credible source recently shared his insight that favors the Clippers as a destination for Durant.
The Clippers may overtake the Mavericks in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes
Although Kevin Durant will be 37 years old next season, he is still worth nearly every penny the LA Clippers have in the bank. The Clippers will not hesitate to agree on a trade as long as the deal does not include Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac.
Durant, in year 17, is averaging 26.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, shooting 52.9% from the floor and 39.8% from three-point land for the Phoenix Suns. He has also played 37.0 minutes through 51 games.
Moreover, a widely known and reliable source, Marc Stein, recently stated, "Dallas has been repeatedly described as a potential Durant suitor, before the deadline and since, but I continue to hear that reports of its interest have been overstated. The Mavericks, based on my best read, are not currently planning for a three-star construction".
These words motivate the Clippers to imagine the championship possibilities next season. The odds could ultimately favor LA, especially if Durant appoints them as the team he wants to be shipped to. The only question is, do they have a fair return to provide the Suns?
If Lenoard, Harden, and Zubac are declared untouchables, the Clippers will export their premiere scorer, Norman Powell. Lawrence Frank may have to add a role player and draft compensation to lead Phoenix into accepting.
Assuming Stein's words are precise, the Clippers should have one of the highest chances throughout the NBA to acquire Durant in the offseason.