The Los Angeles Clippers are in turmoil. It’s time for them to admit defeat and make a fresh start.
From Kawhi Leonard’s salary cap scandal to Chris Paul’s controversial exit, the Clippers have made headlines for all the wrong reasons lately.
Meanwhile, on the court, Ty Lue’s team have lost nine of their last 10 games and already look out of the playoff picture.
It would now make more sense for the front office to prioritize the long-term future of the organization by accumulating young players and draft picks.
NBA Analysis ranks the Clippers’ five best assets if they were to rebuild the team before the trade deadline.
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5. John Collins
John Collins is having a solid season with the Clippers, averaging 12 points and 4.5 rebounds on decent efficiency.
His $26.5 million contract would make it difficult for other teams to match salaries, but at least it is an expiring deal.
The best-case scenario for the Clippers would be for a trade partner to attach a draft pick to an unwanted, multi-year contract.
4. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard remains an All-Star-caliber player, but there is so much to dislike about a potential trade for him.
Leonard’s injury woes, $50 million salary, and ongoing investigation would make him a hard sell for the Clippers.
Perhaps a contending team would be willing to take the risk of trading a first-rounder for an elevated chance of winning the title.
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3. Derrick Jones Jr
Derrick Jones Jr is the type of role player who would be a seamless fit into any rotation in the league.
The 28-year-old is an excellent perimeter defender and a respectable three-point shooter (34.8% this season).
Jones Jr’s team-friendly two-year, $20 million deal would likely entice several teams to give up a valuable future asset.
2. James Harden
James Harden is putting up 26 points, five rebounds, and eight assists per game this season.
He might be 36 years old, but he remains a top 10 point guard in the NBA and would improve several playoff hopefuls.
Teams needing more offensive production, such as the Milwaukee Bucks, should not mind giving up multiple first-round picks or young players to acquire Harden.
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1. Ivica Zubac
Ivica Zubac has achieved much less than his superstar teammates, Harden and Leonard, but he is the Clippers’ most valuable asset.
Zubac is on a three-year, $59 million contract, making him one of the best value-for-money big men in the NBA.
At 28 years of age, the Croatian is still in his prime and would be a significant upgrade at the center position for the majority of teams.
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