What franchise is in the worst position moving forward?

[Wingy]

People are voting for the Suns, but I’d make the argument that they’re better off than the Bulls.

I’d bet the Suns could liquidate KD and Booker - and end up with more positive draft capital/assets than the Bulls.

I get they don’t control their own pick destiny, but they have the advantage over Chicago of a warm climate city over cold as well. Plus tax rate of AZ is about half of IL. All adding up to a more attractive destination.

The Suns aren't trading Booker or Durant unless either of them asks for it. And the "attractive destination" point is utterly moot so long as they're over the second apron. You're not getting top level talent on league minimums.

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The question is about the next 5-10 years though. As it stands today, Phoenix wouldn’t even make the playin. How much longer can they possibly think it’s going to work if that’s the result by end of year? KD will be 37 next year.

[Optms]

I remove the Lakers off this poll personally. In the short term post Lebron era, low period for sure, but in the long period (5-10 years) they will not only contend, but win another title or two before most of these teams will. They are never in a bad position simply because they are the Lakers. You can't say that about other teams who will stay irrelevant for eras.

My vote goes to the Kings. They've been trash for the last 20-25 years. So why would things change? Really. D-Fox and Sabonis are not moving any needles.

[SkyBill40]

People are voting for the Suns, but I’d make the argument that they’re better off than the Bulls.

I’d bet the Suns could liquidate KD and Booker - and end up with more positive draft capital/assets than the Bulls.

I get they don’t control their own pick destiny, but they have the advantage over Chicago of a warm climate city over cold as well. Plus tax rate of AZ is about half of IL. All adding up to a more attractive destination.

The Suns aren't trading Booker or Durant unless either of them asks for it. And the "attractive destination" point is utterly moot so long as they're over the second apron. You're not getting top level talent on league minimums.

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The question is about the next 5-10 years though. As it stands today, Phoenix wouldn’t even make the playin. How much longer can they possibly think it’s going to work if that’s the result by end of year? KD will be 37 next year.

Oh, I'm well aware of our fortune (or lack thereof) for the next 5-10. And I'm also aware of Durant's age and that the Suns will undoubtedly give him an extension even if they shouldn't. The fact remains that the Suns will not entertain the idea of trading Booker unless he wants out, even though sending him elsewhere for a haul is the tactically smart thing to do.

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[facothomas22]

I don't know why the Wizards,Raptors, Hornets or Pelicans are on this poll. All of those teams ether have choose a direction towards a full rebuild/youth movement or have established young cores with all star level or better upside. Now far as the other teams listed,

Far as the Kings, their season has been terrible. They are looking they will be sellers come the trade deadline or the off season at the latest.

Suns, they basically no realistic pathway to getting back into Championship contention. A lot of that can be traced back to making the Bradley Beal trade. He's making superstar level money to be a decent starter and even trading him + whatever assets the Suns have left for depth is non option due to his no trade clause. They also do not have full control over their own picks until 2031. Ouch. All of that just to be a play -in level team and maybe not even that depending what with Spurs going forward.The one thing that can save them is accept defeat and trade both KD and Devin Booker. Both hold a lot of value and they use of those 2 players to get their picks backs.

Clippers - Another team that doesn't control their owns picks until the 2030s. Unlike the Suns, they don't have a guy can be moved for major amount of assets(tho Harden, Zubic,and Powell do have good enough where to be flipped for a 1st round pick or a good young player) and just like the Suns, they a massively overpaid paid player in Kawhi Leonard(due to his health issues). However they are styaing afloat in the Western Conference and seem not to be as far from maybe making some playoffs noise if they can find that true all star level player.

Lakers -Surprising they have a winning record. With that said, my option of them hasn't changed. The issue is that don't have the assets to be more than a play -in and they got nobody that can be flipped into a 1st round pick, even if they decided to go in that route as early as today. They also don't control their pick this upcoming year or 2027(unless they lucked and get a top 4 pick). I also say have done a terrible job with asset management, which make me believe once Lebron retires, I believe they will have a expensive payroll, while being a very bad team due to the lack of willingness to rebuild,while also won't be able land any quality Free Agents.

Kings - Their season has been terrible. They are looking they will be sellers come the trade deadline or the off season at the latest. Their front has also been incompetent for many years and seem their couple years to being competitive are already over. The 2 major they have going for themselves that other team do not have is that De'Aaron Fox and Sabonis can be flipped for major assets and they control of their picks,as long their picks are inside the top 8-12 range depending on the year. I also think unlike some other teams, I think are more willing to to bring on a different Front Office. The issue the Ownership isn't necessary great in their own right, so maybe that's a moot point.

Bulls - Due to their Front Office and Ownership, the team is looking like it's going nowhere besides more mediocrity. Unlike many of other teams, they won't be able to flip guys for 1st round picks besides Coby White and maybe Zach Lavine if they can find a desperate team. Yeah their own all of their picks assuming they stay inside the top 10, but until the Front Office about a rebuild, they pick will be hovering around the 8-12 range, which usually isn't a high enough pick to get generational talent. This is also another team has done a gross job with managing assets. Could've gotten a lot more Alex Caruso and Demar Derozen had they traded them sooner. They also held to Zach Lavine for too long and now they are finding it real hard to find a team that willing to pay his salary.

So out of the teams listed, I say the Bulls and the Lakers are the worst positioned. Both have nobody can be flipped for major draft capital, tho the Bulls atleast have players that can be flipped for 1st round picks if they can find the right trade partner. Both have Front Offices that are simply content with ticket and Jersey sells and neither seem keen on rebuilding anytime soon, which just make their futures worse than they already are.

[ciueli]

The Laker should not be an option in this poll at least not until they screw Up future pics in a shortsighted stupid trade which will of course happen

Looking at ownership and their owed picks, I think they have to be an option.

No way when the Kings, Bulls, and Hornets are on the table. Also what picks do the Lakers owe?! 1 2025 FRP is pretty much the final Pelicans pick that they owe I believe.

Lakers and Clippers will always have a shot at the big names due to their location (and in particular the Lakers branding)

I do agree ownership isn't great though, but still better than the likes of Vivek and Jerry Reinsdorf. LA is self-aware enough of the advantages they have.

The Lakers also owe a first round pick to Utah in 2027, it's top 4 protected. So they only have one guaranteed 1st round pick in the next three seasons.

[OkcSinceSGA]

I don't think Bulls are the answer here.

Yeah, they're stacked in mediocrity and for whatever reason are hesitant to tank, but they also have control over their long term draft picks, so they can become 'regular' bad team very quickly. Awfully run organization, but the path to rebuild is clear here.

On the other hand, Clippers and Suns have the 2nd and 3rd oldest rosters in the NBA - 1st round playoff teams at best (unless you believe that Kawhi will be healthy for the first time in 5 years in the postseason) - no control over draft picks until 2030/2031.

If I am a young GM, I'd definitely choose to run Bulls than Clippers or Suns. So it's either Clippers or Suns long term.

Clippers aren't even in the bottom 5 here. All of their salary outside of Kawhi is off the books in 2 summers. They have made it pretty clear they are going all in on 2026 free agency to try to pull another Kawhi signing. Also important to make clear that "not having control" you still have picks. Clippers have a couple pick swaps in I believe 2027 and 2029 and their 2025 1st round pick. But they have made it clear that they will build via FA/Trades and not focus on drafting as much.

This summer changed their trajectory a bit (for the good) by letting PG walk. They got a bunch of short term 2 year with 3rd year team option steal contracts for Dunn/DJ/Batum etc that give them flexibility, but they ALSO got younger with their moves. So to me that signifies a team that wants max flexibility in movable contracts, and cap space... but to also be good enough to make a 1st or 2nd round playoff run.

Along with these things Norman Powell randomly taking an all star leap at 31 years old, Zubac taking a big leap with more touches and minutes, Harden having a bounce back in terms of load/role/leadership has potentially opened up a 2 year title window IF Kawhi returns to last season's form and plays in the playoffs.

Like I said in the game thread. Outside of OKC who are you confident out west right now would beat the Clippers in a series? Because if I'm the Clippers and Kawhi is healthy I wouldn't feel scared of any of these teams like the Grizzlies, Rockets, Lakers, Nuggets, Mavs in a 7 game series. The west is more wide open than ever before outside of the OKC juggernaut. Nuggets and Mavs are still dangerous but not necessarily any better than previous years to me.

Hell the Nuggets are worse. Then the younger teams like the Rockets and Grizzlies just don't have a guy like Kawhi that can carry you an entire series. Not to mention the Clippers WITHOUT Kawhi are already a similarly dominant top 5 defense and has the players to cause problems (they just beat Memphis).

[ciueli]

The team in the worst position is absolutely the Phoenix Suns.
- Team is currently .500 with more salary than any other team in the league, they're over the 2nd apron.
- No first round pick control until 2031 (all picks and swaps traded) and most of their seconds are gone.
- Don't even have Durant under team control past next season, even if they manage to keep him he'll be 38.
- Beal's albatross contract is still on the books for two more seasons.
- One of their key roation players (Tyus Jones) is on a vet minimum contract and he'll sign a better deal with another team next season, they have no way to keep him.
- Zero quality young players in the pipeline.

In a tough western conference there's a good chance they don't even make the playoffs at all in the next two seasons, wind up losing Durant in free agency, then take over a decade to rebuild the team as they have stripped it bare of picks and young players.

[OkcSinceSGA]

The team in the worst position is absolute the Phoenix Suns.
- Team is currently .500 with more salary than any other team in the league, they're over the 2nd apron.
- No first round pick control until 2031 (all picks and swaps traded) and most of their seconds are gone.
- Don't even have Durant under team control past next season, even if they manage to keep him he'll be 38.
- Beal's albatross contract is still on the books for two more seasons.
- One of their key roation players (Tyus Jones) is on a vet minimum contract and he'll sign a better deal with another team next season, they have no way to keep him.
- Zero quality young players in the pipeline.

In a tough western conference there's a good chance they don't even make the playoffs at all in the next two seasons, wind up losing Durant in free agency, then take over a decade to rebuild the team as they have stripped it bare of picks and young players.

Spot on overall. I was going to come contest one point about young players because I think Ryan Dunn looked like a great young player steal in the draft... but my God he has fallen off hard the last two months. What the hell happened to him? He's had 1-2 good games in the last month at best.

[One_and_Done]

I don't know why the Wizards,Raptors, Hornets or Pelicans are on this poll. All of those teams ether have choose a direction towards a full rebuild/youth movement or have established young cores with all star level or better upside. Now far as the other teams listed,

Far as the Kings, their season has been terrible. They are looking they will be sellers come the trade deadline or the off season at the latest.

Suns, they basically no realistic pathway to getting back into Championship contention. A lot of that can be traced back to making the Bradley Beal trade. He's making superstar level money to be a decent starter and even trading him + whatever assets the Suns have left for depth is non option due to his no trade clause. They also do not have full control over their own picks until 2031. Ouch. All of that just to be a play -in level team and maybe not even that depending what with Spurs going forward.The one thing that can save them is accept defeat and trade both KD and Devin Booker. Both hold a lot of value and they use of those 2 players to get their picks backs.

Clippers - Another team that doesn't control their owns picks until the 2030s. Unlike the Suns, they don't have a guy can be moved for major amount of assets(tho Harden, Zubic,and Powell do have good enough where to be flipped for a 1st round pick or a good young player) and just like the Suns, they a massively overpaid paid player in Kawhi Leonard(due to his health issues). However they are styaing afloat in the Western Conference and seem not to be as far from maybe making some playoffs noise if they can find that true all star level player.

Lakers -Surprising they have a winning record. With that said, my option of them hasn't changed. The issue is that don't have the assets to be more than a play -in and they got nobody that can be flipped into a 1st round pick, even if they decided to go in that route as early as today. They also don't control their pick this upcoming year or 2027(unless they lucked and get a top 4 pick). I also say have done a terrible job with asset management, which make me believe once Lebron retires, I believe they will have a expensive payroll, while being a very bad team due to the lack of willingness to rebuild,while also won't be able land any quality Free Agents.

Kings - Their season has been terrible. They are looking they will be sellers come the trade deadline or the off season at the latest. Their front has also been incompetent for many years and seem their couple years to being competitive are already over. The 2 major they have going for themselves that other team do not have is that De'Aaron Fox and Sabonis can be flipped for major assets and they control of their picks,as long their picks are inside the top 8-12 range depending on the year. I also think unlike some other teams, I think are more willing to to bring on a different Front Office. The issue the Ownership isn't necessary great in their own right, so maybe that's a moot point.

Bulls - Due to their Front Office and Ownership, the team is looking like it's going nowhere besides more mediocrity. Unlike many of other teams, they won't be able to flip guys for 1st round picks besides Coby White and maybe Zach Lavine if they can find a desperate team. Yeah their own all of their picks assuming they stay inside the top 10, but until the Front Office about a rebuild, they pick will be hovering around the 8-12 range, which usually isn't a high enough pick to get generational talent. This is also another team has done a gross job with managing assets. Could've gotten a lot more Alex Caruso and Demar Derozen had they traded them sooner. They also held to Zach Lavine for too long and now they are finding it real hard to find a team that willing to pay his salary.

So out of the teams listed, I say the Bulls and the Lakers are the worst positioned. Both have nobody can be flipped for major draft capital, tho the Bulls atleast have players that can be flipped for 1st round picks if they can find the right trade partner. Both have Front Offices that are simply content with ticket and Jersey sells and neither seem keen on rebuilding anytime soon, which just make their futures worse than they already are.

I don't have alot of confidence in the ownership/front offices of those teams, and/or they have nothing to build around right now. My top vote is the Bulls, but I think there are arguments for the other 8 options. I did regret not having room to include Minny.

[Frank Dux]

The Laker should not be an option in this poll at least not until they screw Up future pics in a shortsighted stupid trade which will of course happen

Lakers should 100% be an option. Look how bad the team was before LeBron bailed them out when he wanted to move to L.A.

Pelinka has basically had the best duo in the NBA over the last 5 years and couldn’t put a decent cast around LeBron and AD to save his life.

Jeanie is a bottom 5 owner and doesn’t have deep pockets. I don’t have high hopes for this team.

[manlisten]

Clippers by virtue of not only having no control of their draft picks until 2030 (1st AND 2nd round) but also owing most of said picks to the current #1 seed in their own conference that also happens to be one of the youngest teams in the league. Their plan is to go all in on 2026 free agency when the top players will be guys like Julius Randle, Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins who will all be on the wrong side of 30. They will try to sell these guys on teaming up with a 35 year old Kawhi Leonard on a $50M contract who has yet to play this season after undergoing his 3rd major surgery on his right knee.

[strokerace]

Looking at ownership and their owed picks, I think they have to be an option.

No way when the Kings, Bulls, and Hornets are on the table. Also what picks do the Lakers owe?! 1 2025 FRP is pretty much the final Pelicans pick that they owe I believe.

Lakers and Clippers will always have a shot at the big names due to their location (and in particular the Lakers branding)

I do agree ownership isn't great though, but still better than the likes of Vivek and Jerry Reinsdorf. LA is self-aware enough of the advantages they have.

The Lakers also owe a first round pick to Utah in 2027, it's top 4 protected. So they only have one guaranteed 1st round pick in the next three seasons.

And, what contract on the Lakers right now besides AD and possibly Reaves, has any real value? Lebron can't be considered because his present contract can't be traded and his next one will be a negative value contract. What young player besides possibly Kenecht has any real upside? Lakers are not in a great position.

[Ball4life32]

Looking at ownership and their owed picks, I think they have to be an option.

No way when the Kings, Bulls, and Hornets are on the table. Also what picks do the Lakers owe?! 1 2025 FRP is pretty much the final Pelicans pick that they owe I believe.

Lakers and Clippers will always have a shot at the big names due to their location (and in particular the Lakers branding)

I do agree ownership isn't great though, but still better than the likes of Vivek and Jerry Reinsdorf. LA is self-aware enough of the advantages they have.

The Lakers also owe a first round pick to Utah in 2027, it's top 4 protected. So they only have one guaranteed 1st round pick in the next three seasons.

Yep and the 2025 unprotected pick goes to the hawks now via the Dejounte trade.

[OkcSinceSGA]

Clippers by virtue of not only having no control of their draft picks until 2030 (1st AND 2nd round) but also owing most of said picks to the current #1 seed in their own conference that also happens to be one of the youngest teams in the league. Their plan is to go all in on 2026 free agency when the top players will be guys like Julius Randle, Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins who will all be on the wrong side of 30. They will try to sell these guys on teaming up with a 35 year old Kawhi Leonard on a $50M contract who has yet to play this season after undergoing his 3rd major surgery on his right knee.

That's not remotely accurate. SGA, Luka, Trae all have player options they are unlikely to exercise going into that free agency, making them free agents most likely. Also JJJ, Lavine, Kyrie, Ayton. TONS of good role players. My guess is they are the frontrunners to steal SGA or Luka IF those teams don't do enough. It's obviously always very unlikely to steal an MVP caliber player, but it's happened. But yes, statistically most of the years you're gonna strike out on big superstars. They don't have much of a choice though.

If 2026 goes badly then yea, they are kinda screwed unless they can steal Ja in 2028. Everybody else is aging, or broken down like Zion. It's why I personally for 3 years have been calling for the Clips to draft better and break this core up sooner.

At this point all the Clippers can hope for is Kawhi has a 2-3 year resurgence somehow to his health, pushing them close to when they have control of their picks again, while remaining competitive in that time frame. If Kawhi keeps breaking down every year come playoff time, they strike out completely in 2026... and they have poor drafting (or no drafting) then yea, it's bleak in the 5 years ahead. I personally think they are in a weird spot because you either A. roll the dice with Kawhi's health or B. Trade guys like Powell/Zubac/Mann at their best perceived value currently and get a couple 1st round picks out of it.

I can guarantee you Zubac and Powell combine to get you 2-3 1sts probably.

[manlisten]

Clippers by virtue of not only having no control of their draft picks until 2030 (1st AND 2nd round) but also owing most of said picks to the current #1 seed in their own conference that also happens to be one of the youngest teams in the league. Their plan is to go all in on 2026 free agency when the top players will be guys like Julius Randle, Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins who will all be on the wrong side of 30. They will try to sell these guys on teaming up with a 35 year old Kawhi Leonard on a $50M contract who has yet to play this season after undergoing his 3rd major surgery on his right knee.

That's not remotely accurate. SGA, Luka, Trae all have player options they are unlikely to exercise going into that free agency, making them free agents most likely. Also JJJ, Lavine, Kyrie, Ayton. TONS of good role players. My guess is they are the frontrunners to steal SGA or Luka IF those teams don't do enough. It's obviously always very unlikely to steal an MVP caliber player, but it's happened. But yes, statistically most of the years you're gonna strike out on big superstars. They don't have much of a choice though.

If 2026 goes badly then yea, they are kinda screwed unless they can steal Ja in 2028. Everybody else is aging, or broken down like Zion. It's why I personally for 3 years have been calling for the Clips to draft better and break this core up sooner.

At this point all the Clippers can hope for is Kawhi has a 2-3 year resurgence somehow to his health, pushing them close to when they have control of their picks again, while remaining competitive in that time frame. If Kawhi keeps breaking down every year come playoff time, they strike out completely in 2026... and they have poor drafting (or no drafting) then yea, it's bleak in the 5 years ahead. I personally think they are in a weird spot because you either A. roll the dice with Kawhi's health or B. Trade guys like Powell/Zubac/Mann at their best perceived value currently and get a couple 1st round picks out of it.

I can guarantee you Zubac and Powell combine to get you 2-3 1sts probably.

SGA doesn't have a player option in '26. It's more likely Kawhi has another surgery than a resurgence and he'll be getting paid $50M making it even more difficult to build a contender and less desirable for premier free agents. Why on earth would they be front runners? They can get a late first rounder for guys like Zubac and Powell but then you're almost guaranteeing a lotto pick to OKC. And with the Clippers draft history those late firsts wouldn't amount to much anyway.

[OkcSinceSGA]

Clippers by virtue of not only having no control of their draft picks until 2030 (1st AND 2nd round) but also owing most of said picks to the current #1 seed in their own conference that also happens to be one of the youngest teams in the league. Their plan is to go all in on 2026 free agency when the top players will be guys like Julius Randle, Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins who will all be on the wrong side of 30. They will try to sell these guys on teaming up with a 35 year old Kawhi Leonard on a $50M contract who has yet to play this season after undergoing his 3rd major surgery on his right knee.

That's not remotely accurate. SGA, Luka, Trae all have player options they are unlikely to exercise going into that free agency, making them free agents most likely. Also JJJ, Lavine, Kyrie, Ayton. TONS of good role players. My guess is they are the frontrunners to steal SGA or Luka IF those teams don't do enough. It's obviously always very unlikely to steal an MVP caliber player, but it's happened. But yes, statistically most of the years you're gonna strike out on big superstars. They don't have much of a choice though.

If 2026 goes badly then yea, they are kinda screwed unless they can steal Ja in 2028. Everybody else is aging, or broken down like Zion. It's why I personally for 3 years have been calling for the Clips to draft better and break this core up sooner.

At this point all the Clippers can hope for is Kawhi has a 2-3 year resurgence somehow to his health, pushing them close to when they have control of their picks again, while remaining competitive in that time frame. If Kawhi keeps breaking down every year come playoff time, they strike out completely in 2026... and they have poor drafting (or no drafting) then yea, it's bleak in the 5 years ahead. I personally think they are in a weird spot because you either A. roll the dice with Kawhi's health or B. Trade guys like Powell/Zubac/Mann at their best perceived value currently and get a couple 1st round picks out of it.

I can guarantee you Zubac and Powell combine to get you 2-3 1sts probably.

SGA and Luka don't have player options in '26. It's more likely Kawhi has another surgery than a resurgence and he'll be getting paid $50M making it even more difficult to build a contender and less desirable for premier free agents. Why on earth would they be front runners? They can get a late first rounder for guys like Zubac and Powell but then you're almost guaranteeing a lotto pick to OKC. And with the Clippers draft history those late firsts would'nt amount to much anyway.

Clippers could 100% get a lotto to mid 1st for Zubac or Powell if they sell high like now. They both crush someone like Finney Smith who is about to get a 1st value wise. I could be wrong but Sport Trac seemed to have them both as player options for 2026 free agency class. Why would the Clippers be frontrunners in free agency?

I mean they have been fighting for every top free agent now that they had the means to pay for the last 15 years with the Heat and Lakers. Literally everyone they have pursued, they have gotten in that span for the most part outside of KD (who they couldn't afford to pay anyway, but he took the meeting still). Every big name star has the Clippers in the mix for consideration.

Why? I mean having the best/newest arena in the NBA, having a chance to help a team win it's first ring, playing for the wealthiest sports owner in the world who spares no expense, being in LA.... lots of reasons why players are drawn to the Clippers. So when they had the money dating back to Lob City they have been very successful in their free agency pursuits. It seems farfetched because they have rarely had money to even chase free agents the last 10+ years besides the 2019 one.

[manlisten]

Clippers could 100% get a lotto to mid 1st for Zubac or Powell if they sell high like now. They both crush someone like Finney Smith who is about to get a 1st value wise. I could be wrong but Sport Trac seemed to have them both as player options for 2026 free agency class. Why would the Clippers be frontrunners in free agency?

I mean they have been fighting for every top free agent now that they had the means to pay for the last 15 years with the Heat and Lakers. Literally everyone they have pursued, they have gotten in that span for the most part outside of KD (who they couldn't afford to pay anyway, but he took the meeting still). Every big name star has the Clippers in the mix for consideration.

Why? I mean having the best/newest arena in the NBA, having a chance to help a team win it's first ring, playing for the wealthiest sports owner in the world who spares no expense, being in LA.... lots of reasons why players are drawn to the Clippers. So when they had the money dating back to Lob City they have been very successful in their free agency pursuits.

You're right about Luka's player option. He also has the ability to sign the biggest supermax in league history at the end of this season. So does SGA. What lottery team is giving up a 1st for Zubac or Powell? The Nets want a 1st for DFS, doesn't mean they'll get it and if they do it will be from a playoff team. None of the reasons you listed are compelling enough to draw top free agents when the on court product isn't good enough. I think you should be more realistic. You're being a hyperbolic homer by saying every big name free agent wants to sign with the Clippers when the only guy they've signed since Ballmer has been around is Kawhi. You literally didn't list any actual basketball reasons.

[coldfish]

Bulls fans: Its us. Definitely us.
Some random people: Well, team X is in a bad spot
Bulls fans: Yeah. That's nice. Its definitely us.

[OkcSinceSGA]

Clippers could 100% get a lotto to mid 1st for Zubac or Powell if they sell high like now. They both crush someone like Finney Smith who is about to get a 1st value wise. I could be wrong but Sport Trac seemed to have them both as player options for 2026 free agency class. Why would the Clippers be frontrunners in free agency?

I mean they have been fighting for every top free agent now that they had the means to pay for the last 15 years with the Heat and Lakers. Literally everyone they have pursued, they have gotten in that span for the most part outside of KD (who they couldn't afford to pay anyway, but he took the meeting still). Every big name star has the Clippers in the mix for consideration.

Why? I mean having the best/newest arena in the NBA, having a chance to help a team win it's first ring, playing for the wealthiest sports owner in the world who spares no expense, being in LA.... lots of reasons why players are drawn to the Clippers. So when they had the money dating back to Lob City they have been very successful in their free agency pursuits.

You're right about Luka's player option. He also has the ability to sign the biggest supermax in league history at the end of this season. So does SGA. What lottery team is giving up a 1st for Zubac or Powell? The Nets want a 1st for DFS, doesn't mean they'll get it and if they do it will be from a playoff team. None of the reasons you listed are compelling enough to draw top free agents when the on court product isn't good enough. I think you should be more realistic. You're being a hyperbolic homer by saying every big name free agent wants to sign with the Clippers when the only guy they've signed since Ballmer has been around is Kawhi. You literally didn't list any actual basketball reasons.

I said when they had money or the means for a reason. They are the only team in the NBA to be .500 or better the last 14 years. They were trying to contend the entire time, and didn't have max cap space besides the 2019 free agency they lured Kawhi. But the role players with MLE etc, they have gotten if they have pursued. The reason they haven't landed them since Ballmer is finances, not because of interest. Not being a homer at all.

How many stars in the last decade that wanted out had the Clippers on their list of 3 teams etc? A lot. My point with the value thing on guys like Zubac and Powell.. is they are having all star consideration worthy seasons. Zubac in particular is 26 years old and now signed for 4 years. He can EASILY get a lottery pick 1st.

"When your on court product isn't good enough"... I mean in the modern NBA with 2nd apron and stuff... do you think max free agents are going to typically join title favorites? No. They are probably going to join .500 ish scrappy teams with good role players that can be built around them. The days of stacking superstars are literally over when this current group ages out. The Clippers in 2 years will be what they are today. A middling .500 team. They will not allow themselves to bottom out.

[doogie_hauser]

I remove the Lakers off this poll personally. In the short term post Lebron era, low period for sure, but in the long period (5-10 years) they will not only contend, but win another title or two before most of these teams will. They are never in a bad position simply because they are the Lakers. You can't say that about other teams who will stay irrelevant for eras.

My vote goes to the Kings. They've been trash for the last 20-25 years. So why would things change? Really. D-Fox and Sabonis are not moving any needles.

I don't think The Lakers Front Office and Ownership realizes how difficult it is to build a contender now (via the new CBA)

It's not the 80s or 90s anymore. Free Agents like Shaquille O'Neal ain't walking through that door

The Lakers definitely will be irrelevant for the next 5-10 years unless Jeanie sells the team (which is unlikely)