The Clippers have quietly retooled their roster in a approach that permits them to remain aggressive proper now whereas conserving long-term flexibility. Paul George is gone. Kawhi Leonard continues to be round on an enormous deal, however a lot of the new additions this summer time — Chris Paul, Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez — are all on short-term contracts. This group isn’t locked into something past a two-year window.
Meaning if Giannis does hit free company in 2027, the Clippers could possibly be one of many only a few contenders with severe cap area to chase him.
And it’s not simply Simmons who sees it. Zach Lowe echoed the thought, saying Clippers exec Lawrence Frank isn’t precisely refined when he’s chasing a star. The franchise did one thing related in 2019 to land Leonard and George. This could possibly be that playbook once more.
However why would Giannis go away Milwaukee within the first place?
Effectively, the Bucks have been scrambling to maintain their championship window alive. They traded Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma final season and waived Damian Lillard this summer time — each strikes geared toward reshaping the roster round Giannis. Additionally they introduced in Myles Turner to spice up rim safety, signaling that they know they’re on the clock.
Giannis has at all times preached loyalty, however he’s additionally made it clear: he needs to win. And if the Bucks can’t constantly ship an opportunity to win, it’s not onerous to think about him wanting elsewhere. By 2027, he’ll be 32 — nonetheless in his prime, nonetheless a two-way power — and the proper goal for a group with cash, ambition and a market like L.A.
The Clippers, by then, may have a clear cap sheet and an proprietor in Steve Ballmer who’s not afraid to throw cash and sources at a famous person. If Giannis hits the market, they’d have a reputable pitch — and perhaps probably the most aggressive one.
After all, that is all hypothetical for now. Simmons didn’t report it as sourced information, extra like an informed prediction. However in a league the place long-term planning usually issues greater than something that occurs in July, the Clippers’ path is value watching.
They’re not simply attempting to remain related in the present day — they is likely to be laying the muse for the most important transfer of the last decade. And if that’s the case, don’t be shocked if 2027 ends with Giannis in a Clippers jersey.
