dirkdiggler4177 wrote:They are likely to sign Harden and PG to significant, long-term contracts this offseason. They can't rebuild because they don't own their own pick till 2030. Trading is unlikely, as it's rare to see high-caliber players exchanged for each other. Therefore, they will secure both players with substantial, extended contracts. Essentially, this will define their team for the foreseeable future, leaving them with no assets in terms of draft picks and young talent. Each year, their situation deteriorates, and their only avenue for improvement is the MLE.
Picks status:
2024 First Round Pick: This pick has been traded to Washington.
2025 First Round Pick: Oklahoma City has the right to swap its 2025 1st round pick for the Clippers' 2025 1st round pick. This means that Oklahoma City might end up taking the Clippers' pick if it is more favorable than the other options they have.
2026 First Round Pick: Oklahoma City will receive one of the more favorable picks between its own, Houston's (protected for selections 1-4), and the Clippers'. Philadelphia will get the least favorable among these. Thus, the Clippers will not keep their 2026 first round pick.
2027 First Round Pick: Oklahoma City has the right to swap its 2027 1st round pick (or Denver's, if conveyed) for the Clippers' 2027 1st round pick. This could result in the Clippers losing their 2027 pick.
2028 First Round Pick: This pick has been traded to Philadelphia.
2029 First Round Pick: Philadelphia has the right to swap its 2029 1st round pick for the Clippers' 2029 1st round pick, which is protected for selections 1-3.
MLE? So they've avoided the second apron?