With the LA Clippers’ media day in sight, the time has finally come for fans to reflect on the offseason that began a bit earlier than expected. Granted, there were a lot of highs, and definitely some all-time lows, especially with the investigation involving Kawhi Leonard and the organization, which made the national headlines, but all things considered, it’s safe to say the front office made the most of what they had, given the circumstances.
That said, let’s dive into the three best offseason moves the Clippers made, and why they were excellent decisions.
3. Signing Rui Hachimura on a discounted deal
This one goes without saying. The LA Clippers somehow managed to acquire one of the best power forwards on the open market for two years, worth $28 million with a club option.
There is no argument that the signing of Hachimura wasn’t one of the best of the entire offseason. He’s on an extremely team-friendly deal, and when you factor in how talented the 28-year-old is, it’s easy to conclude he’s worth a good bit more.
For context, Hachimura is fresh off a playoff series with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he averaged 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, shooting 54.9% from the field and 56.9% from three.
Lawrence Frank deserves a strong round of applause for securing Hachimura to the terms he signed to.
2. Landing Max Strus for practically nothing
When the Cleveland Cavaliers were shopping Max Strus, there were certainly teams in line willing to pay a proven veteran or quality draft capital. Why? Because Strus is an elite 3-and-D talent who fits just about anywhere.
To top it off, Strus’ contract expires next summer, making him even more valuable under the new CBA.
Despite these factors, which made Strus a valuable asset, the LA Clippers landed him in the blockbuster Peyton Watson trade for nothing but the draft rights to Ismael Kamagate and a 2027 second-round pick.
This is an A-plus trade, to say the least. Strus will be an integral part of the Clippers’ system for as long as he’s there.
1. Trading Kawhi Leonard for valuable picks
When the Kawhi Leonard trade to the Toronto Raptors was announced, it seemed like the LA Clippers’ front office did a pretty good job. They gave up a 35-year-old superstar for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a first-round swap. That’s a pretty good return, right?
Once the NBA publicly informed the world that the Clippers circumvented the cap, the outlook on what they received for Leonard changed from good to excellent, since they had to forfeit five first-round picks for their actions.
This is easily the best decision of the offseason. Had they held on to Leonard for the last year of his contract, or traded him after the NBA released its findings, the Clippers’ return could have looked significantly different.
Now, the organization still has a decent amount of draft capital to work with.
