Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Los Angeles Clippers
Not only did Paul George struggle last year in the NBA Bubble, but he was one of the main reasons why the Los Angeles Clippers failed to reach the Western Conference Finals and have an epic showdown with their rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. All of the blame cannot be put on George, as there is no excuse for a team to be up 3-1 in a series and lose, but in big moments, he seemed to disappear.
Much like last season during the regular season, Paul George has gotten off to a fast start and looks as dominant as ever, but the question the Clippers have to ask themselves is if George presents them with the best opportunity to win a championship and if he can continue his regular-season success into the NBA playoffs.
Seeing as they signed him to a max contract extension this offseason, it is safe to say that they believe in him, but if this type of trade package is offered for the 6x All-Star, Los Angeles has to at least listen to the offer and ponder it for a bit.
Getting a guy like James Wiseman can set the Clippers up for success for years to come and the draft picks they would be receiving in this trade are priceless. Right now, through the 2027 NBA Draft, the Clippers own the rights to one first-round pick (2027) and eleven second-round picks. They have no draft capital to build a sustainable core for the future and if they keep Kawhi and George together, they are all-in on trying to win a championship over the next few seasons and then try to rebuild.
Why compete for championships and then rebuild when you can do both at the same time with this trade! Giving up PG13 for Draymond, Wiseman, Lee and all of these draft picks allows the Clippers to remain as a championship contender in the Western Conference with a lot more options on the offensive end of the court, as well as build a young core moving forward every offseason for years to come.
It may be too good to be true for the Clippers in this scenario and while they would be giving up a superstar player in Paul George, the return they get in this trade package could make them a legit playoff team in the Western Conference for the next couple of decades. Every team loves to hear the word dynasty when it relates to them and that is exactly what Los Angeles could have by making this trade.
