Ekec presents a Clippers trade theory that will interest the Thunder
With the drama going on with the Los Angeles Clippers from the team’s terrible start to the season to the recent news of Chris Paul being sent home for his final season, the basketball world is wondering what the franchise is doing now. As it is the rumors surrounding the Clippers will continue throughout the season there is a theory put forth by the league executive about what the team needs to do and how Oklahoma City Thunder factor into that.
In Shams Charania’s latest column for ESPN, he talked about trades around certain teams, and one section talks about Los Angeles. He would mention how “it’s now versus the future” for the Clippers in figuring out where they want to go in reviving their current situation or focusing beyond that.
He would say there are “respected officials” in the NBA who think Los Angeles should be “free” about acquiring assets for roster players, even though the team owes the Thunder a first-round pick next summer. A “high-ranking executive” even said that instead of preventing Oklahoma City from getting a top-five pick, the team should “better position itself for the next five years.”
“Many around the league are waiting to see if LA is open to a big-picture move,” Charania wrote. “Stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are performing at a high level and have signed tradeable contracts that would allow the Clippers to retool for the future. They could also hold tight and reshape the team around Harden and Leonard, as they will have cap space in the summer.
In any case, it remains to be seen what happens with players like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, plus what direction the Clippers want to go, since they are 6-18.
2025-12-09 17:02:00
