The LA Clippers knew it would be tough sledding during the 2021-22 NBA season. While they would do everything they could to remain competitive and fight for a playoff spot, doing so without their best player in Kawhi Leonard would provide some challenges.
Leonard had surgery on his knee over the offseason after getting injured in Game 4 of their second-round matchup against the Utah Jazz. The Clipper rallied to defeat the Jazz before losing in six games to the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
That stretch gave the team confidence they could still be a playoff team even without Leonard in the fold. However, losing Paul George has forced the franchise to change course.
George is dealing with a torn UCL in his right elbow, which could cause him to miss the season. He returned for two games after originally suffering the injury, but has found himself sidelined for 10 games, and counting, since.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Clippers Stars May Not Play For Rest Of 2021-22 Season
Without George, the team’s plans ahead of the deadline will change drastically. It sounds as if the Clippers are now ready to become sellers.
Rival executives have since gathered that Los Angeles is willing to discuss the majority of its veteran roster in trade scenarios. “They’re pretty much open for business for anyone except their main guys and Terance Mann. I think they really are fine falling out of the playoffs and regrouping for next year,” said one Western Conference official. “I think they’re trying to shed the Marcus Morrises of the world, guys that have some value and maybe can replace them with younger talent, maybe cheaper [contracts], to free them to get someone else this summer.”
This is likely the best course of action for the Clippers to take. We saw how well this worked for the Golden State Warriors, who were down for two seasons and are now back to being title contenders this season.
The Portland Trail Blazers are considering a similar move with superstar point guard, Damian Lillard. He is battling a nagging abdominal injury, so Portland is considering shutting him down, trading away veterans at the NBA trade deadline and resetting in the offseason.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Clippers Stars May Not Play For Rest Of 2021-22 Season
There were some discussions about whether or not the LA Clippers could be aggressive in hopes of Kawhi Leonard returning and the team being able to challenge for a title this season. But, now without Paul George, they seem content on setting themselves up to be in a better position next season when they have their two superstars back healthy in the lineup.
