A new logo and world-class arena won't overshadow the importance of the off-season for the Los Angeles Clippers. Another early playoff exit because of a Kawhi Leonard injury put a damper on a season that showed great promise. The patience has now evaporated.
The problem is that the team's pursuit of a new identity could severely cloud their judgment. The Intuit Dome can't fill itself, and the dawn of a new era could force management to "run it back." The questions are endless, but laying out the timeline is advantageous in seeing when fans can expect some answers.
The Clippers' 2024 Draft (June 26 and June 27)
In 2019, the Clippers parted ways with their 2024 first-round pick as a part of the Paul George/Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trade. That means their only selection is number 46 in the second round as of this writing. Here are some realistic options they could go with:
1. Tyler Kolek (G) Sr. - Marquette
Kolek is a gritty, experienced floor general who peaked during his last season with the Golden Eagles. He has the ability to run the second unit and hold his own on the defensive end.
2. Alex Karaban (F) So. - UConn
Although he plays a bit clunky, Karaban is a gamer who is lethal from beyond the arc. If he doesn't stay in Stoors, he's an impressive spacing option whose on-floor intelligence is a coach's dream.
3. PJ Hall (F) Sr. - Clemson
The heart and soul of the Tigers, Hall is a proven leader who can carry an offensive burden. He projects as a fun stretch big who can occasionally put his back to the basket.
4. Hunter Sallis (G) Jr. - Wake Forest
Sallis went from an afterthought at Gonzaga to an electrifying combo guard during his lone season with Wake Forest. He's a tremendous athlete with all the tools and can be a genuine diamond in the rough if he slips down the board.
5. Tristen Newton (G) Sr. - UConn
A two-time champion, Newton is a talented slasher who is a menace defensively. The shot has a chance to develop, and his unrelenting competitiveness likely gets him rotational minutes early into his career.
Clippers' 2024 roster decisions
The locks (The players seemingly guranteed to remain with the club)
- Kawhi Leonard
- Norm Powell
- Ivica Zubac
- Terance Mann
The likely keeps (The players who have a great shot of being retained)
- Amir Coffey
- Kobe Brown
The short-term stays (The players who will be on the roster for trade bait)
- Russell Westbrook
- P.J. Tucker
The major decisions (The players who could easily return or seek a better opportunity)
- Paul George
- James Harden
- Brandon Boston
- Mason Plumlee
- Daniel Theis
Exit stage left (The players I don't expect back next season)
- Bones Hyland
- Jordan Miller
Clippers' 2024 free agency outlook (June 30)
The free agency window opens on June 30, and contracts can be officially signed a week later. Expect the Clippers to tinker with their roster in an attempt to, if nothing else, retain George. Here are some potential free agents the franchise should pursue:
Pascal Siakam (PF) - The organization should have an understanding of George's status by June 30. If he intends to walk, there's no reason not to pivot to another established star. Siakam already has a great rapport with Leonard. Although the Indiana Pacers have succeeded with the Cameroon native in their front court, louring him away to the beach and palm trees to play with his former championship teammate feels like a slam dunk pitch.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF) - One of the best values this past season in the NBA, Oubre Jr. re-established himself as a versatile wing who can score in bunches. He finally emerged on the defensive end, using his length and speed to swallow up smaller guards. With an expanded role, the 28-year-old projects to have another career year and could be one of the more intriguing upside swings in the entire free agency class.
Tyus Jones (PG) - The James Harden experiment was entertaining, but it's time to seek his replacement. Jones is an old-school point guard who can masterfully control the tempo of a game. At the right price, he's a must-have to help initiate on the offensive end.
Derrick Jones Jr. (PF) - Jones Jr. is a human pogo stick who can space the floor and use his absurd athleticism to be a phenomenal team defender. At the right price, he's a valuable Swiss army knife that will provide a needed spark off the bench.
Jalen Smith (C) - A former lottery pick, Smith has shown flashes of being a solid rotational big. He needs more polishing around the rim, but the signs are there. On a cheap "prove it" deal, he's the kind of risk the franchise has to be willing to take.
Clippers' 2024 trade options
Harden and George's futures will dictate all the other off-season moves. Losing the latter for nothing would be inexcusable, which signals a sign-and-trade could be in the works if extension talks go south. Lawrence Frank suggested retaining Harden was also a priority, but how reliable are exit interview quotes?
Regardless of their decisions, the roster still needs a facelift. P.J. Tucker has an upcoming $11.5M player option, which he (checks notes) will opt into. With the lack of draft capital, the team would have to use a collection of Terance Mann, Amir Coffey, Bones Hyland (if the team exercises his option), Norm Powell, or Ivica Zubac to move off Tucker and inject new life into this organization. Steve Balmer's obsession with star power suggests that if Harden or George depart, the focus will shift to acquiring another top guy to pair with Leonard.
Mangament's value for Mann and Coffey likely far exceeds that of the rest of the league. Hyland and an aging Powell aren't likely to move the needle in a potential trade either. The club would have to target a player on an expiring deal or someone with enough leverage to force their way to LA.
One Bold Predictions for the Clippers' offseason
The team will likely come around to the idea of keeping Paul George. Expect him to stay around and ink a three-year max contract. I don't anticipate that Harden will follow suit. The big move will be to try to replace the beard with a fresh third option in an attempt to salvage the underwhelming George and Leonard pairing.