The Clippers are motivated to “win” without their first-round pick, but the team is too old, injured and struggling for any sort of consistency in the Western Conference.
Losing Harden’s offense would be a setback, but it’s time to start planning for the future.
Reid is just 26 and would have the chance to see if he can play alongside (or even replace) Ivica Zubac. L.A. may be unlikely to find a player of his caliber in the free-agent market if it prioritizes cap room this July.
Also, if the Clippers are truly shifting their focus to the future, Zubac may be their most appealing player on the trade market.
Dillingham gives L.A. a viable prospect to develop, without the pressure he has in Minnesota to help the Timberwolves advance beyond the conference finals. The Clippers get a capable veteran point guard in Conley and a look at Martin (Ingles helps make the numbers work).
Additionally, the Clippers avoid the luxury tax this season, resetting the repeater penalty. With Reid and Dillingham, L.A. could have roughly $33 million in cap room this July, with team decisions pending on Bogdan Bogdanović, Kris Dunn, and Cam Christie—assuming Leonard’s $50.3 million remains on the books—along with player options for Bradley Beal and Nicolas Batum.
Assuming the Clippers, Timberwolves and Nets can agree to a deal in January, L.A. would have time to explore deals for others on the roster such as John Collins, Derrick Jones Jr., Bogdanović, Zubac, etc. The goal wouldn’t be to bottom out, but to add quality players who can contribute now and into the post-Leonard future.
Asking the team to accept the sunk cost of the lost first-round pick to the Thunder may be a stretch, but what’s done is done, and it’s not like the current squad is killing it in the standings.
Finally, the Clippers and Paul have agreed to part ways. He hasn’t been waived, and the team may hold onto his contract through trade season. If that changes before January, Ingles can be removed from the deal, with Martin going to Minnesota instead of Paul.