Despite falling short in the playoffs last year, the Los Angeles Clippers were expected to be back in the mix in the Western Conference with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden leading the way.
Instead, the Clippers endured a nightmare start to the season. They were 6-21 through the first 27 games and the Thunder own their first-round pick thanks to the Paul George trade a few seasons ago.
LA then went on an 18-3 run and looked to be back on track to make at least the play-in out West. It made it all the more surprising when they went in the other direction, when they traded Harden and Ivica Zubac away at the trade deadline in two separate deals. One thing is clear about the direction the Clippers went in.
The Clippers’ decision to reset was the correct one for their long-term future
LA acquired Darius Garland from the Cleveland and Bennedict Mathurin and two first-round picks from Indiana. Both players are in their mid-20s, and in Garland’s case, he has been named an All-Star twice. Mathurin was a meaningful contributor to a finals team last season, showing that he also has potential to be part of this new Clippers core.
In addition to that, LA acquired meaningful draft capital. From the failed George supertrade to acquiring Harden last year, the Clippers did not have many first-round picks to reset their team.
Now, they have two (one in 2026, one in 2029).
The 2026 pick the Pacers gave them would be LA’s this year if it falls in the 5-9 range. If it falls in the 1-4 or 10-30 range, Indiana keeps it this year, and the Clippers get a 2031 first rounder instead.
Instead of pursuing a play-in berth in a loaded West, LA chose a direction. They weren’t going to be serious contenders this year or any time in the near future, so undergoing a reset is the right call. Additionally, the Leonard and Aspiration saga may come to an end soon, with the potential that he could be off the team and have his contract voided.
The Clippers chose long-term stability over short-term happiness. This year will likely be a lost season, but with Garland, Mathurin, more picks, and larges amount of cap space in the next couple offseasons, the can usher in a new era in LA and be serious players in a couple seasons.