In what could perhaps be the biggest turnaround this season, the LA Clippers have a winning record after starting the season 15 games below 500. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has spurred that massive turnaround, but a major cloud hangs over the franchise as a result of their star.
The NBA is currently investigating the Clippers and Leonard for alleged salary cap violations. Leonard reportedly received up to $28 million in additional salary.
That could result in him having his contract voided this summer, thereby making him a free agent. Losing him for nothing would hurt the Clippers, at least in the short term. However, it could ultimately be for the best.
Leonard being made a free agent a season early could free up $50.3 million in salary for next season. It would also remove the possibility of L.A. extending him.
Nightmare Clippers scenario may surprisingly be blessing in disguise
Leonard, to his credit, is having an awesome season, but the Clippers probably only max out as a seventh or eighth seed. L.A. doesn't own their own first-round pick this season.
Thus, making the playoffs is the best possible outcome, but their trade deadline moves hint at them heading in a different direction.
They traded star James Harden for Darius Garland, who is a star in his own right, albeit 10 years younger and injury-prone. The Clippers also acquired Ben Mathurin, a former lottery pick, whom they will likely try to re-sign this summer.
The Clippers would be better in the long run without Kawhi Leonard
Having Leonard off the team would force them to invest more in getting younger. In order to do that, they could use the space created by Leonard's departure to fill several key holes.
Being forced to get younger and stop prolonging a rebuild may help the Clippers in the long run, even if losing Leonard would sting in the short term.