The Los Angeles Clippers are below investigation for allegedly skirting the NBA’s wage cap, and the end result might reshape the franchise after being urged to pursue Zion Williamson. Punishments might vary from fines and suspensions to draft choose forfeiture, or within the worst-case state of affairs, Kawhi Leonard’s contract being voided.
Whereas commissioner Adam Silver just isn’t anticipated handy down a ruling for a number of months, the Clippers are already being suggested to make a daring transfer earlier than their belongings are doubtlessly stripped away.
Los Angeles ought to pursue New Orleans Pelicans ahead Zion Williamson, Yahoo Sports activities’ Tom Haberstroh advised.
“If the Clippers commerce for a star utilizing their picks, what might Silver do about it? So long as the investigation is ongoing, the reply is nearly actually nothing,” Haberstroh wrote. “Freezing a group’s belongings in the course of an investigation would trigger an all-out revolt among the many different house owners — the other of Silver’s ‘harmless till confirmed responsible’ decree final week. In the end, Silver’s palms could be tied till the decision got here in.”
Williamson’s profession has been outlined by dominance when wholesome and lengthy stretches on the sideline. In six seasons, he has topped 30 video games performed solely twice. However with the Clippers already a confirmed 50-win group, including Williamson would imply slotting him right into a contender moderately than asking him to hold a franchise.
Haberstroh framed it as, “In case you’re in a position to abdomen the injury-riddled Leonard, why not double down? From the Pelicans’ aspect, they sport a brand new entrance workplace led by Joe Dumars, and new regimes have been identified to scrub home to allow them to begin with a clean canvas.”
A possible deal might ship John Collins, Derrick Jones Jr., two future first-round picks in 2030 and 2032, plus a 2031 swap to New Orleans. That may give the Pelicans the draft capital and adaptability to rebuild round Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, whereas opening up $26.5 million in cap area subsequent summer time.
For the Clippers, the gamble would create a lineup that includes Leonard, Williamson, James Harden, Bradley Beal, and Ivica Zubac, with Chris Paul, Kris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Nicolas Batum obtainable off the bench.