After a sluggish start to the season, the Los Angeles Clippers have shifted gears, eyeing a postseason berth. They found themselves in a tough spot, over ten games below .500, until Kawhi Leonard elevated his game to near-MVP levels, sparking a winning streak.
However, the team dynamics changed dramatically when James Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing the often-injured Darius Garland to the Clippers in return. The surprises didn't stop there, as long-time Clipper Ivica Zubac was sent to the Indiana Pacers.
Now, the spotlight is on Kawhi Leonard to lead the franchise to new heights amidst these roster changes. With the Clippers seemingly in a rebuilding phase, there’s buzz around the league about Leonard’s future with the team. Rival executives are speculating that Leonard might be on the trading block this offseason, a sentiment echoed in reports from insiders like Jake Fischer.
Leonard joined the Clippers in 2019, forming a formidable duo with Paul George, aiming to make a splash in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued their journey, hindering their potential. The addition of Harden offered hope, but the chemistry didn’t quite ignite as anticipated.
At this point in his career, Leonard is laser-focused on one goal: winning another championship. However, consistent injuries have kept him from fully realizing this ambition with the Clippers. The recent trades have forced Leonard to reassess the team’s championship viability, leading him to the stark realization that, as it stands, the Clippers aren’t contenders this season.
With the offseason approaching, all eyes will be on Leonard and the Clippers' next moves. Whether they choose to rebuild around him or explore new opportunities, the decisions made will shape the franchise's future.