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Jul 01, 2026

Clippers Should Continue Fire Sale to Kickstart the Post-Kawhi Leonard Era

Clippers Should Continue Fire Sale to Kickstart the Post-Kawhi Leonard Era

LA should be open for business regarding their veterans this summer. Cem Yolbulan|
Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (5) before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (5) before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Clippers have officially begun a new era when they traded Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. The seven years of building around Kawhi and trying to contend have come to a disappointing end with only three playoff series wins to the Clippers' name.

Owner Steve Ballmer, GM Lawrence Frank, and head coach Ty Lue will not want to bottom out completely. That doesn't seem to be in their DNA. Especially with the new lottery rules, where not being at the bottom of the league is rewarded, the Clippers have the incentive to try to be as competitive as possible in the near future. Plus, they don't control their own 2027 pick as they owe it to the OKC Thunder. So, there is no downside to trying to win.

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