Many expected the Los Angeles Clippers to shake things up this offseason following another early postseason exit, but so far, GM Trent Redden hasn’t made any drastic changes.
The Clippers are entering year five of the Kawhi Leonard-Paul Georga era. What was supposed to be the golden age of Clipper basketball, however, has been marred by injuries to the two stars which has in turn led to annual playoff disappointments.
George himself has been brought up in trade speculation during the offseason. But unless the Clippers get an offer they can’t refuse, it looks like the future Hall of Famer will spend (at least) a fifth year in La La Land.
At NBA Analysis Network, James Piercey proposed a blockbuster trade that has the Clippers sending George to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Bojan Bogdanović, 2020 second overall pick James Wiseman, Alec Burks plus 2024 and 2026 first-round picks:
“The Clippers have been among the winningest franchises in the NBA over the last decade. They still haven’t won an NBA title. By now, this core is looking unlikely to do it. George is somewhat injury-prone, and Kawhi Leonard is a walking health concern.
So, the Clippers could entertain some changes. With that said, they may not want to bottom out entirely. If Leonard can get healthy, the Clippers could still be contenders.
This deal has them retooling. The Clippers would have a deeper squad around Leonard, and some assets to acquire another star down the road. If that doesn’t work? They’ll likely have to rebuild again.”
Piercey’s trade proposal makes sense for both sides, as it would help Detroit return to playoff contention following a painful rebuilding period. The return for George would land the Clippers more depth and other potential trade assets to improve the roster.
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In the 2020 offseason, the Clippers handed George a four-year contract extension worth $190 million. Though George is still an elite two-way player when on the court, he’s been limited to 141 total games over the last three years.
A sprained right knee kept George sidelined for the Clippers’ first round series against the Phoenix Suns, which L.A. lost in five games.
At this time, it looks like LA will give George and Leonard another year together. If the Clippers fall short of their goal, however, don’t be surprised if the organization decides to finally shake things up by trading one (or potentially both) stars.
