Originally posted on CRabonSports | By Christian Rabon
After coming off of another extremely disappointing season and their Game 6 loss against the Dallas Mavericks, the LA Clippers have been eliminated from the 2024 NBA Playoffs and are now entering what may be their most important off-season since 2019.
The Clippers looked to be having one of their healthiest seasons yet with the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George tandem. But Leonard would than get hurt late in the season, and ultimately leading to another wasted year in LA.
The organization is now heading into a new chapter as they are entering a re-brand, while also moving into their very own arena, the ‘Intuit Dome’. In hopes that they can help redirect the ship back on its course.
Los Angeles Clippers Future: What Needs to Change?
Many Clippers fans and even NBA fans around the world are starting to notice that the NBA is beginning to run through its youth as the stars of the previous generation begin to fade. With young teams like the OKC Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves already showing their dominance within the Western Conference Playoffs so far this season.
This is a very glaring problem for the Clippers who’s top 4 leading scorers this past season are over the age of 30. And their average roster age being 28.7 years old.
After seeing the teams stars break down and fade moving into the postseason every single year, the Clippers front office should begin looking into getting younger immediately, even if that means getting rid of some of their stars.
Free Agency
The Clippers have made it very apparent that their goals are to move into their new arena with the big-3 of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden. But it may be harder for them to make that happen than they initially thought.
After a very inconsistent season, the Clippers are yet to offer Paul George a max contract extension, which is making it even more likely that George will choose to enter unrestricted free agency.
There are two potential suitors for Paul George that are making themselves known in the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic, who are both looking to add a veteran star to help them reach their championship aspirations.
There has been some speculation throughout the league that the Clippers will ultimately fold into giving Paul George a max contract so that he doesn’t walk away for nothing.
When it comes to the Clippers other star free agent in James Harden, he has made it very apparent that we would love the opportunity to return to LA and continue to play for his hometown team.
What Does the Future Look Like?
The Clippers long-term future still looks dim at the moment as their roster is still very old and the team is way over their salary cap. The team also will not have their own guaranteed first round selection until the year 2030.
While Clippers fans can continue to look forward the teams new rebrand and arena in hopes that they can bring in a new team identity with them.
But with the Clippers likely bringing back their aging big-3, and head coach Tyronn Lue making it clear that he expect to return. The Clippers front office is going to have their work cut out for them to attempt to keep their teams expiring championship hopes alive.
