Los Angeles Clippers: 5 goals for the 2018 offseason

1. Go all-in for Kawhi Leonard

Recently, Sam Amick of USA Today reported the Clippers’ rumored interest in preparing a trade package for Leonard. Amidst Amick’s report on the Leonard pursuit is the following excerpt:

"“Landing Leonard – who grew up outside of Los Angeles in Moreno Valley, hails from San Diego State and is known to be a favorite of Clippers consultant Jerry West – would be well worth the hefty price it would take to get him. Maybe the Clippers offer their two first round picks in this June’s draft, and whatever combination of other talent the Spurs want in return. And suddenly, they’re back in Western Conference contention again.”"

Leonard’s bizarre and unprecedented non-season with the San Antonio Spurs has been highly documented, and with the Spurs’ season close to being complete, the amount of teams interested in making a run at the 26-year-old Leonard is only going to increase as the offseason approaches.

Making a run at Leonard is simply a no-brainer for the Clippers, who currently have just one All-Star appearance on their current roster – center DeAndre Jordan in 2017. At his recent exit interview, coach Rivers noted the need to upgrade their talent:

"“You can be good, but you need players to be great, there’s no doubt about that. We clearly need to improve in those areas, and we’re going to do that. Can we do it this summer, next summer, we’ll see.”"

Being a Southern California native is likely to be the biggest draw in luring Leonard to Los Angeles, with the crosstown rivals Lakers representing a huge challenge to overcome in luring Leonard to Clipperland.

As Amick mentioned in his column, the price of entering the potential Leonard sweepstakes is going to be hefty. In addition to offering up their pair of first round draft selections from the upcoming draft, the Spurs are going to request at least another additional talent from the Clippers’ roster in order to be satisfied.

With the status of Jordan, Austin Rivers, Wesley Johnson and Milos Teodosic uncertain due to player options on their current deals, the opportunity cost of doing business with the Spurs may lead to the loss of Harris.

So with two lottery picks and an another key piece to place on the table, the Clippers would at least garner the interest of the Spurs should Leonard officially become available for trade. Already a two-time member of the All-NBA First Team, Leonard’s age and credentials make him a genuine franchise cornerstone.

Next: Full two-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft

However regardless of the outcome, the upcoming offseason appears to be a significant juncture in terms of the future direction of the Clippers franchise.