The Clippers just made a move that raised more than a few eyebrows across the league - trading away Ivica Zubac in a deal that brought back draft assets and young talent from the Indiana Pacers. On the surface, it’s a forward-thinking move, one that signals L.A. is keeping an eye on the future. But dig a little deeper, and it’s hard not to feel a sense of déjà vu - and not the good kind.
Let’s rewind for a second. Back in 2019, the Clippers went all-in to pair Kawhi Leonard with Paul George.
That blockbuster deal sent a mountain of assets - four unprotected first-round picks, additional draft capital, a solid vet in Danilo Gallinari, and most notably, a rising star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The goal was clear: win now.
But the results? A few playoff runs, no Finals appearances, and a lingering sense of what could’ve been.
Now, with Kawhi aging and the future of this core uncertain, the Clippers are once again sitting on a stockpile of picks and young players. The return from the Zubac trade includes two first-rounders and a promising piece in Bennedict Mathurin - valuable currency in today’s NBA.
But here’s where things get tricky: will the Clippers hold onto those assets and build for the long haul? Or will they be tempted to flip them for another marquee name, chasing a quick fix that might not deliver?
History says caution is warranted. The last time the Clippers bet the farm on a superstar pairing, it cost them years of flexibility and a potential franchise cornerstone in Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Thunder, meanwhile, turned that deal into the foundation of a bright future. It was a masterclass in asset management - and a painful reminder for L.A. of how quickly things can go sideways.
That’s why this moment is so critical for Lawrence Frank and the Clippers’ front office. They can’t afford to repeat the same mistake.
The idea of trading for a top-tier name - whether it’s a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic - is always going to be tempting. But unless that move guarantees a legitimate title window, the risk might outweigh the reward.
Zubac’s departure could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Clippers - one where they prioritize sustainability over splash. But if those newly acquired picks and young pieces end up being shipped off for another high-risk, high-reward gamble, it could be 2019 all over again.
The Clippers have a chance here to reset, to learn from the past and build a more balanced roster with an eye on the long term. The fanbase has felt the sting of short-sighted decisions before. This time, the hope is that the front office sees the bigger picture - and holds onto the assets that could shape the next era of Clippers basketball.