How This Deal Impacts LA Clippers
This deal is an excellent one for the LA Clippers. They know they are not contenders without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the fold, but if they learned anything during the 2021 postseason, it is that this team will battle right to the bitter end.
Even without Leonard, they won the next two games to defeat the Utah Jazz before falling to the Phoenix Suns in six games. Granted, George was on the court for that, but this is a strong supporting cast and Tyronn Lue is proving he’s an excellent coach.
With no first-round draft position to worry about, the Clippers have no reason to not try winning as much as possible the remainder of the season. Acquiring a player of Domantas Sabonis’ caliber will help them keep things afloat until their superstar duo is healthy enough to return to the court.
If that is this season, they are going to be a problem for whoever they match up with. If it is not until next season, no harm done. But, getting that third start to combine with them greatly improves their chances of competing in the future.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Clippers-Heat Trade Involves Marcus Morris Sr.
Sabonis is a perfect third star fit alongside Leonard and George with his passing ability. They can run the offense through him when needed, helping take pressure off of them as well.
Getting Justin Holiday back gives them another solid veteran piece. But, they have to do their due diligence when it comes to his eligibility coming from a team that has no restrictions in their home city from COVID-19 and vaccine protocols.
Holiday would help offset some of the loss from Luke Kennard and Brandon Boston, two integral rotation pieces. Sabonis is an upgrade on Ivica Zubac as well. Keon Johnson has immense potential but likely won’t be able to realize it with the Clippers, who are looking to contend.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Clippers-Heat Trade Involves Marcus Morris Sr.
Sending out a first-round pick so far down the line is always risky, but a worthwhile gamble. The Clippers are in a better position to win a title after this trade than they were before it.
