7 Clippers whose futures are up in the air this offseason

The LA Clippers are at a crossroads. Acquiring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George was supposed to make them annual title contenders, but LA has won just three playoff series in five years and zero since 2021. After a second straight first-round exit, the Clippers must make changes. Kawhi is locked in, but how can they build a title contender around him?

Owner Steve Ballmer is never afraid to spend and wants to win as the Clippers head into their new arena. Bringing back Paul George and James Harden means spending well over $200 million on their roster. Ballmer is willing, but does the new second tax apron deter LA? The Clippers cannot keep spending, especially if they are not winning.

There will be changes this summer, and several players have questionable futures. Much will depend on how the Clippers approach the offseason. Here is a look at who may or may not return for the 2024-25 season.

7. P.J. Tucker

Tucker has an $11.5 million player option for the 2024-25 season, which he will likely accept. He is not getting that much on the open market, especially after not being in the rotation for the majority of the season.

The 39-year-old is nearing the end of his career. The Clippers did call on him with their season on the line. He was a DNP-CD in the first four games of their first-round playoff series against the Mavericks before jumping in during Game 5. He started and played over 20 minutes in the decisive Game 6. The veteran has playoff experience as a small ball five, but cannot be counted on for a nightly role at this stage.

The Clippers would like to get more on-court value for his $11.5 million salary. They could explore trading his expiring contract or buying him out to get a bit more production from that roster spot.