The Los Angeles Clippers arguably had their best season in franchise history. They made it to the Western Conference Finals for the first time and went far in the NBA Playoffs. It’s even fair to argue that it wasn’t the Phoenix Suns that defeated the Clippers but injuries, which kept superstar Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka out.
Nevertheless, the Clippers still took a relatively healthy Suns squad to six games. This wouldn’t have been possible without Paul George’s brilliant postseason and role players like Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann stepping up when the team needed them to. Unfortunately, injuries got the best of them and here they are once again—in the offseason with important decisions to make.
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The Clippers can still run it back. After all, they have one hell of a team. But that doesn’t mean other contenders will do the same. Normally, the offseason is where the contenders get better and even do their best to acquire the best names on the free agency market to upgrade.
Almost every season, there’s a superstar that wants out of his current team. All eyes are already on Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard as he seeks to maximize his prime years. Lillard could reportedly be pushed out of the door if the Trail Blazers fail to build a title contender around him.
So of course, every fan base (at least of teams contending) is now putting GM hats on and looking for ways to acquire Lillard. For this one, let’s see how the Clippers can realistically acquire the six-time All-Star.
Paul George for Damian Lillard swap
Yes, George did have his best season yet for the Clippers but this is one realistic trade deal they can offer if they want Lillard. It’s important to know that the Trail Blazers will do everything they can to receive a fair deal in exchange for Lillard if ever he requests a trade. The Trail Blazers have the leverage here because of Lillard’s contract.
That said, the Trail Blazers will also look into an All-Star in exchange for Lillard, who had another very productive year. George, who averaged 23.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season will have to be on their radar. It’s unlikely that the Clippers let go of Goerge but as of now, this is the most realistic option.
Unless, Lillard specifically requests to go to the Clippers—similar to what James Harden and Anthony Davis did in the past. If this happens, then the Clippers have to think of the best package possible without letting go of their superstars (this is assuming Kawhi Leonard resigns).
Long-term signed players for Lillard
This makes the situation a little tricky for the Clippers. The majority of their draft picks were given up for George. They have long-term deals with Marcus Morris, Luke Kennard, Rajon Rondo, Patrick Beverley, and Ivica Zubac. They also have to prioritize their luxury tax threshold and taxpayer mid-level exception requirements. This looks farfetched because the Clippers don’t have the assets that would equal Lillard's value.
As mentioned above, the only way this can happen is if Lillard forces the Trail Blazers to make a deal with the Clippers, without George and Leonard.
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