Are Clippers positioning themselves for massive 2027 move?

The Clippers have quietly retooled their roster in a method that enables them to remain aggressive proper now whereas preserving long-term flexibility. Paul George is gone. Kawhi Leonard continues to be round on an enormous deal, however a lot of the new additions this summer season — Chris Paul, Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez — are all on short-term contracts. This staff isn’t locked into something past a two-year window.

Meaning if Giannis does hit free company in 2027, the Clippers may very well be one of many only a few contenders with severe cap house to chase him.

And it’s not simply Simmons who sees it. Zach Lowe echoed the concept, saying Clippers exec Lawrence Frank isn’t precisely delicate when he’s chasing a star. The franchise did one thing related in 2019 to land Leonard and George. This may very well be that playbook another time.

However why would Giannis go away Milwaukee within the first place?

Properly, the Bucks have been scrambling to maintain their championship window alive. They traded Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma final season and waived Damian Lillard this summer season — each strikes aimed toward reshaping the roster round Giannis. Additionally they introduced in Myles Turner to spice up rim safety, signaling that they know they’re on the clock.

Giannis has all the time preached loyalty, however he’s additionally made it clear: he desires to win. And if the Bucks can’t persistently ship an opportunity to win, it’s not arduous to think about him wanting elsewhere. By 2027, he’ll be 32 — nonetheless in his prime, nonetheless a two-way pressure — and the right goal for a staff with cash, ambition and a market like L.A.

The Clippers, by then, may have a clear cap sheet and an proprietor in Steve Ballmer who’s not afraid to throw cash and sources at a famous person. If Giannis hits the market, they’d have a reliable pitch — and perhaps essentially the most aggressive one.

After all, that is all hypothetical for now. Simmons didn’t report it as sourced information, extra like an informed prediction. However in a league the place long-term planning usually issues greater than something that occurs in July, the Clippers’ path is value watching.

They’re not simply attempting to remain related at present — they is perhaps laying the inspiration for the most important transfer of the last decade. And if that’s the case, don’t be shocked if 2027 ends with Giannis in a Clippers jersey.