Clippers rebuilding simulation

[Astaluego]

I suppose maybe they'll do something on the margins and then execute again... but there would also be another, more drastic option: they're not going to rebuild through the Draft (since they don't own their picks), but... they're a super attractive free agent destination. Could they sell their veterans for solid players who don't have long-term money committed (so as not to give away another lottery pick to the Thunder) + picks and free up as much space as possible for the 2026 Free Agency? What do you think? Any trades that make sense?

[pipfan]

I suppose maybe they'll do something on the margins and then execute again... but there would also be another, more drastic option: they're not going to rebuild through the Draft (since they don't own their picks), but... they're a super attractive free agent destination. Could they sell their veterans for solid players who don't have long-term money committed (so as not to give away another lottery pick to the Thunder) + picks and free up as much space as possible for the 2026 Free Agency? What do you think? Any trades that make sense?

They're in a tough spot. I think they hope Harden picks up his option and your run it back.

They'd have a bunch of cap space in 2026. Draft well at #30, sign random vets and hope for another playoff berth next season. Then, you go all in on 2026 FA (put the word out now that you'll be buyers, let FA's know your plan). Don't trade any future picks this summer-just ride it out. Even if Harden walks, don't panic and pray Leonard can be healthy enough to get to the playoffs.

OKC sitting pretty with those picks-could easily be a 2026 lotto pick

[Astaluego]

Just as they let PG go (a decision that may have seemed controversial at the time) and it turned out they dodged a bullet, would they do well to sell their veterans (Harden/KL/Powell) before they completely fall apart or try to get maximum value out of role players (Zubac and to a lesser extent DJJ/Dunn even Batum)?

Harden/FRP25 (Clippers) to MAVS for Gafford+ filled+ Mavs FRP25 (11)??

Then trade Gafford for a guard? Or even take advantage of Zubac's current max value and trade the LAKERS for Reaves/Knecht+FRP?

Could Leonard be traded to the Kings for DDR/Murray/Carter..?

Powell+ Dunn to Heat to expire (Rozier)+Jazquez+Warriors FRP..?

Or maybe the Magic would offer a better deal?

[R-DAWG]

The Clippers have 4 seasons left before they regain control of their draft picks.

Kwahi Leonard turns 34 next month and has 2 years left on his contract. Given their pick position, they are better off improving in the margins around Kwahi rather than trying to rebuild.

Entering the summer of 2026 - they will have 3 players on the roster making a combined $80.3mm - 4 in you included this years draft pick which takes the total salary to +/- 83mm - so they will be looking at 75-80mm in cap space. At this point, maybe you look to move off Kwahi if there is a better use for the cap space.

In terms of this year, especially concerning James Harden, I think there are 2 paths forward assume he does not opt into his deal - (1) do another 1+1 or 2 year deal, allowing you to be a 1st apron team (full MLE) or (2) max him for 1 year at 54mm, operate below the 2nd apron, and has a clear slate besides Kwahi/Zubac/DJJ in 2026.

[DaddyCool19]

What happens to Harden? Does he pick up his option, or asks for a 2 year deal, that would line up with Kawhis contract?

[jayjaysee]

Harden/FRP25 (Clippers) to MAVS for Gafford+ filled+ Mavs FRP25 (11)??

Could Leonard be traded to the Kings for DDR/Murray/Carter..?

As a Dallas fan, I’d rather pay more for Leonard right?

Then go back to figuring out how to bandaid the season without Kyrie, but if you have a chance to start AD, Leonard and Kyrie for 2-3 playoff runs.. You take the shot imo.

With all of the Milwaukee pick debt ideas.. what about

11th and 2029 LAL first to OKC
2026 swap and 2027 LAC first to LAC
Leonard to Dallas

Feels like great value (really an overpay imo) for Presti? But the base idea?

Then figure out the 50 million in matching? Could include Lively if you feel like Leonard worth that much.. I really have no idea how much he should be worth.

LAC can trade Zu and have two tanking seasons before the Sixers pick debt kicks in?

[jayjaysee]

I think LAC just have to keep running it back though realistically.

Would try one of those Demar or John Collins ideas to improve around Harden/Leonard.

[Godaddycurse]

The Clippers have 4 seasons left before they regain control of their draft picks.

Kwahi Leonard turns 34 next month and has 2 years left on his contract. Given their pick position, they are better off improving in the margins around Kwahi rather than trying to rebuild.

Entering the summer of 2026 - they will have 3 players on the roster making a combined $80.3mm - 4 in you included this years draft pick which takes the total salary to +/- 83mm - so they will be looking at 75-80mm in cap space. At this point, maybe you look to move off Kwahi if there is a better use for the cap space.

In terms of this year, especially concerning James Harden, I think there are 2 paths forward assume he does not opt into his deal - (1) do another 1+1 or 2 year deal, allowing you to be a 1st apron team (full MLE) or (2) max him for 1 year at 54mm, operate below the 2nd apron, and has a clear slate besides Kwahi/Zubac/DJJ in 2026.

Think they prefer capspace in 2026

[ReggiesKnicks]

It's fairly easy for the Clippers to enter a rebuild. They can trade a light or unprotected 1st to OKC (Say 2031 or 2032) and gain control of their 2026 1st.

However, I don't see this as the realistic path nor likely in any case. There are two reasons for the Clippers to do this type of trade. One, is if a team comes to them and blows their socks off on a Harden, Zubac or Kawhi deal. Now, I don't expect Rudy Gobert level of returns in order to blow their socks off, but it needs to be substantial enough to forego things. Another is if Harden goes elsewhere in free agency.

Related, Kawhi+Harden+Zubac over the past 2 seasons have played at a 15+ SRS level together in the regular season. That's a title contender. Moves around the margins are the only realistic move forward over the next couple seasons while expecting LAC to retain control of their future firsts as they operate around the margins.

But let's look at the roster. It isn't the Milwaukee bucks roster of a ton of dead-beat NBA players. Powell, Bogdan and DJJ would make most teams rotation given their skill-sets. Dunn and Batum are a bit more replaceable but also have clear limitations at this point in their careers which make them the key margins we are talking about making changes to while a full-season (Say 60 games) of 20 MPG Ben Simmons is a boost in the arm for any team.

[Skybox]

ORL has expiring salaries and picks...If LAC is looking for NEXT summer as the detonation date, that might work.

Not earth shattering, but I think Dunn & Bogi for Cole Anthony, Moe Wagner & ORL's 26 frp gives LAC some draft equity and gets them off $22m a year earlier...without killing their 25-26 team. Cole might even find his footing and surpass both of the guys going out - in that case, he has a TO to consider.

Not a blockbuster, but a step in the direction OP is looking for?

[facothomas22]

Unless they can get their own picks back from the Thunder/76ers, they're better off just running it back with the same team with minor adjustments and just hope they have the same season as they had this year, but maybe with a deeper playoff run and prepare for 2026 Free Agency. Rebuilding will simply benefit the Thunder and I don't see a Rudy Gobert/Mikal Bridges package out there for any of their players.

[ReggiesKnicks]

ORL has expiring salaries and picks...If LAC is looking for NEXT summer as the detonation date, that might work.

Not earth shattering, but I think Dunn & Bogi for Cole Anthony, Moe Wagner & ORL's 26 frp gives LAC some draft equity and gets them off $22m a year earlier...without killing their 25-26 team. Cole might even find his footing and surpass both of the guys going out - in that case, he has a TO to consider.

Not a blockbuster, but a step in the direction OP is looking for?

The Clippers aren't going to clearly downgrade two of their rotation players for a highly likely non-lotto 1st in a future draft.

[Skybox]

ORL has expiring salaries and picks...If LAC is looking for NEXT summer as the detonation date, that might work.

Not earth shattering, but I think Dunn & Bogi for Cole Anthony, Moe Wagner & ORL's 26 frp gives LAC some draft equity and gets them off $22m a year earlier...without killing their 25-26 team. Cole might even find his footing and surpass both of the guys going out - in that case, he has a TO to consider.

Not a blockbuster, but a step in the direction OP is looking for?

The Clippers aren't going to clearly downgrade two of their rotation players for a highly likely non-lotto 1st in a future draft.

What's the point of the thread? The best teams with the highest payrolls will have to make compromises for financial reasons...I'm not suggesting just trading good players for bad...Trading expirings and a legit frp for guys on the fringe of the core rotation. BOS is apparently facing even stronger pressures to make some finacial concessions. These teams will have to try to find the least impactful negative moves...but my understanding is that they will very likely be negative moves - at least in the very short term. The whole (unintended?) effect of the CBA is that teams that are stacked 10 deep with good players are getting punished...so the trick is to figure out which will hurt the least...like picking out blocks in a Jenga game, trying not to make the whole thing collapse. Owners don't want to see the Bogi's of the world (older but solid role players and backups) getting paid what they do and the next wave of contracts will probably reflect that.

Is the goal to get better players, more picks, AND save money...good luck.

[vxmike]

What happens to Harden? Does he pick up his option, or asks for a 2 year deal, that would line up with Kawhis contract?

BKN is the only team with cap space. He’s either exercising that option or doing an extend ‘n trade somewhere else.

[Diop]

probably resign/extend Harden and run it back.

[basketballwacko2]

I suppose maybe they'll do something on the margins and then execute again... but there would also be another, more drastic option: they're not going to rebuild through the Draft (since they don't own their picks), but... they're a super attractive free agent destination. Could they sell their veterans for solid players who don't have long-term money committed (so as not to give away another lottery pick to the Thunder) + picks and free up as much space as possible for the 2026 Free Agency? What do you think? Any trades that make sense?

Rebuilding when they have traded off so many #1's and swapped picks is gonna be tough. They can come back next season and do what they did this year but can they get better?

[Magic_Johnny12]

Probably unlikely, but if Leonard holds positive value across the league I think it would be advantageous for the Clippers to trade him to the highest bidder.

I’m a big Kawhi fan and admire his adversity, but don’t think he’s capable of leading a team anymore and it will only get worse.

Rip the bandaid now and retool. Fans will understand.

Look for a team desperate to get over the hump, maybe engage with Houston if they strike out on Durant.

I ironically rather have a Harden led Clippers team than a Harden/Leonard led team with all things considered.

[Sactown33]

Could Leonard be traded to the Kings for DDR/Murray/Carter..?

Whether you think the value is fine or not (I don’t), this is one of the worst possible moves the Kings could make at this point. Giving up 2 young players for an old, injury prone Kawhi would be a fireable offense.

[Magic_Johnny12]

Could Leonard be traded to the Kings for DDR/Murray/Carter..?

Whether you think the value is fine or not (I don’t), this is one of the worst possible moves the Kings could make at this point. Giving up 2 young players for an old, injury prone Kawhi would be a fireable offense.

The irony is that Sacramento literally just traded 2 younger players for an older, injury prone Lavine.

And before that they traded two younger players (and pick) for an older, past his prime Derozan.

And before that they traded their younger franchise player for an older established player.

So you can say what you want about the value, but this trade would be perfectly in line with what they have done in the past.

[jayjaysee]

Could Leonard be traded to the Kings for DDR/Murray/Carter..?

Whether you think the value is fine or not (I don’t), this is one of the worst possible moves the Kings could make at this point. Giving up 2 young players for an old, injury prone Kawhi would be a fireable offense.

The irony is that Sacramento literally just traded 2 younger players for an older, injury prone Lavine.

And before that they traded two younger players (and pick) for an older, past his prime Derozan.

And before that they traded their younger franchise player for an older established player.

So you can say what you want about the value, but this trade would be perfectly in line with what they have done in the past.

And none of the guys on the roster raise a ceiling like Leonard does…

And if it doesn’t cost future picks, the eventual rebuild isn’t really impacted - outside of losing out on whatever value Murray/Carter will have in 3-4 years when the team does decide to actually commit to a rebuild..