Los Angeles Clippers: Altering the course of a historically mediocre franchise

The recent Jimmy Butler news has the NBA world riled up. Not only has Kawhi Leonard expressed interest in joining the Los Angeles Clippers, but Jimmy Butler has also claimed L.A as his preferred destination. The mediocre history of the franchise could change drastically within the next few years.

It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Clippers have had a fairly underwhelming history. Aside from a few all-time greats and the Lob City era, the franchise has never been able to put together a consistently talented and deep roster. Furthermore, they’ve lurked under the shadow of the Los Angeles Lakers since the mid 80s and haven’t been able to make a run at a title or even win the competition for fans’ attention at certain points.

However, as many are already aware, now is an extremely exciting time to be a Clippers fan. Kawhi Leonard is reportedly interested in playing for them if he decides to opt out of his contract with the Toronto Raptors. Jimmy Butler, who recently requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, is known to spend a lot of time in Los Angeles as it is and listed the Clippers as one of his three preferred trade destinations.

Teaming up with Kawhi Leonard would be the icing on the cake.

Not only are both stars interested in playing for the franchise, but it’s very possible that this will become reality, as the Clippers have room for two maximum contracts in July. Realistically, the Clips could attempt to trade for Butler right now, but they also have the option to wait until next summer when both Leonard and Butler would be available.

The logistics

Obviously, sacrifices have to be made to acquire the likes of two All-Star level players, meaning established talents like Tobias Harris and Lou Williams would likely have to be on their way out. While the two are certainly very good players, a core of an aging Williams with few years of high-level production left and a yet-to-be-All-Star in Harris doesn’t necessarily guarantee much postseason success.

Hoops Habit‘s own Gerald Bourguet laid out 10 possible trade scenarios for Jimmy Butler and the Clippers definitely have an enticing offer, handing over both Williams and Harris straight up. Assets like the newly acquired Jerome Robinson or a first round draft pick could potentially be in play as well. Waiting until the offseason to acquire the two would mean that Harris wouldn’t get his max contract.

Regardless of how it happens, a Jimmy Butler addition lands a two-way All-Star in his prime with all the reason in the world to stay a Clipper, assuming everything works out. Throw in a Kawhi Leonard signing and the Clippers would have two stars in their prime as well as a young and highly skilled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the future.

While this may not be a title contender team right off the bat, free agency additions are always a given when a team improves this much and depth could certainly take a leap.

The implications

The Western Conference is — and for the foreseeable future, always will be — tougher to succeed in than the East. Teams like the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets are guaranteed to be in title contention as it currently stands, but there are a few different “what-ifs” in play.

Chris Paul is 33 years old and can only play at an All-Star level to help James Harden for so much longer. While Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry may both still be in their primes, DeMarcus Cousins has yet to play a game since his Achilles injury. Aside from Dominique Wilkins, players aren’t historically able to come back from that kind of injury. The Lakers may be in title contention if the young core continues to develop and can draw in another star to supplement LeBron James.

While it’s not likely that a Clippers team with Leonard and Butler would upset a healthy Warriors team, they certainly would steer the direction away from historical mediocrity. Some even argue that the Warriors might’ve lost Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals last year had Chris Paul never gotten injured. Depending on the circumstances, a Clippers team with Butler and Leonard could have a chance at doing the same thing with the right help.

The likelihood of a ring isn’t the highest, but isn’t necessarily slim either, assuming Gilgeous-Alexander develops as expected and the Clippers can retain bench pieces or acquire some depth in the offseasons to come.

The reality

Kawhi Leonard has already won a ring and received the honors of Finals MVP. Although another ring would help solidify his greatness, it’s not necessarily of huge concern. He’d be the first option for a team in a historic basketball city and would have Butler backing him up.

Jimmy Butler loves the city of Los Angeles and the team could definitely use his help. Both Leonard and Butler are some of the best two-way players in the league and have proven they can be the leaders of their respective teams. Together, with additional depth and the development of a talented point guard, the Clippers could possibly form the greatest team in franchise history.

Yes, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan made for a consistent playoff team, and Bob McAdoo, Ron Harper and Danny Manning contributed to some of the only playoff runs in team history. However, none of those teams was ever able to reach the conference finals and make a run at a title. If everything pans out correctly, the new-age Clippers could do just that.

Whether they make a title run or not, the course of historical mediocrity would certainly be altered and the team would be very fun to watch. It would definitely be interesting to see both teams in Los Angeles be close in competition and could serve as a fun rivalry.