The LA Clippers had high expectations for the 2021-22 NBA season even with Kawhi Leonard beginning things in the rehab process from ACL surgery. There was thought that after Leonard returns, the team will be ready to go come playoff time.
Now, Paul George finds himself sidelined due to injury and the team is 21-21 with neither of their superstars available to play.
George was initially expected to be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks after the initial reporting surfaced about his torn UCL in his right elbow. According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Clippers are ‘operating under the possibility’ that Paul George may not return during this season.
While the team’s initial announcement on Christmas Day stated George would be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks, the Clippers are operating under the possibility that George may not return this season, sources told B/R.
There was recent reporting about Kawhi Leonard being ‘ahead of schedule’ in his rehab efforts, but there is ‘skepticism’ that Kawhi Leonard may not take the floor, either.
And despite the momentum surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s rehab from a torn ACL, there remains a healthy dose of skepticism around the league about Leonard retaking the floor in 2021-22 as well.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Are Clippers Primed For Standings Plunge Without Paul George?
If neither of Georges nor Leonard will be available to play for the remainder of the season, it would be logical for the Clippers to make a few moves to add assets at the NBA trade deadline.
The Clippers should prioritize moving expiring contracts with Serge Ibaka, who is earning $9.7 million Moving on from Ibaka could continue to maximize opportunities for Brandon Boston Jr. in terms of minutes and involvement in the offense as Leonard and George are sidelined.
Other options for the LA Clippers could include Ivica Zubac, Nicolas Batum, or even Marcus Morris Sr. as potential trade candidates. If a contender feels compelled to acquire on of those role players in pursuit of a title run, it makes sense to collect value in return.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Are Clippers Primed For Standings Plunge Without Paul George?
Perhaps one of the complications that must be mentioned for the LA Clippers is that it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder who actually own their 2022 first-round pick. It has no protections on it, so there isn’t incentive just to bottom out for a year—tempering the need to completely bottom out.
