Los Angeles Clippers
Do not count out the Los Angeles Clippers on making a big move this offseason! They are currently projected to be nearly $36M over the salary cap as of right now, assuming Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka opt into their contracts, and will likely be hard-capped for the 2021-22 season anyways, which is why they could realistically pull off a sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry.
Kemba Walker also remains a possible trade target for the Clippers, but the only way they can add another All-Star/high-level talent to their roster is by making a trade. The Clippers have no cap space and do not want to get rid of Kawhi Leonard in free agency, which is why getting Lowry in a sign-and-trade is the only way to acquire him.
After making the Western Conference Finals this past year, the Clippers have definitely proven that they are a real championship contender in the league, but Kawhi Leonard suffering an ACL injury is really bad news for them. Leonard being out almost forces the Clippers to make a big move like acquiring Kyle Lowry this offseason.
If Lowry was to sign another deal worth $25M+ per year, the Clippers could possibly look to get rid of a combination of Marcus Morris Sr. ($15.6M), Patrick Beverley ($14.3M), Luke Kennard ($12.7M), Ivica Zubac ($7.5M) and Rajon Rondo ($7.5M). Beverley definitely seems like one guy who would be on the move and while they do not want to trade him, Zubac would make sense given Toronto’s lack of froncourt talent.
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The Clippers are expected to pursue several big name players this offseason via trade and Kyle Lowry finds himself as one of these guys. The Los Angeles Lakers may have interest in bringing in a bunch of other All-Star talents as well, but the Clippers are no longer going to sit back and watch their rivals walk all over them.
Bringing in Kyle Lowry would be a huge statement move by the Clippers, which is why they are one of the three dark-horse landing spots for the All-Star point guard this offseason. It would be difficult for them to get a deal done to acquire Lowry, but it is technically possible.
