Feb 24, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Eric Gordon (10) wears a Black History shirt against the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Clippers will face some big decisions this offseason. Here are three players who will likely not be back.
The Los Angeles Clippers entered the 2022-23 season with championship aspirations, once again, and it was warranted. Since joining forces in 2019, their superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have struggled to stay on the court. However, the Clippers have a record of 83-35 with both Leonard and George in the lineup. That winning percentage would have given them the best record in the Western Conference this season.
Well, the Clippers suffered a first-round exit with Leonard and George on the sidelines. Frustration is understandable, but moving either star is unwise. Both Leonard and George are still at the top of their respective games, and potential trade partners could be apprehensive to give up a large haul for an injury-prone star. As a result, a potential deal would likely result in the Clippers taking pennies on the dollar and worsening their title odds.
If Leonard and George are both healthy, the Clippers are still a legitimate title contender. Yes, that is a big if, but few other teams can boast that ceiling.
Nevertheless, I do not expect the front office to bring back an identical roster. Let’s take a look at three players who will likely not be back.
Clippers who won’t be back next season: 3. Eric Gordon
This is not about the player. It’s about the contract.
Gordon has one year left on his deal. It is worth approximately $20.9 million, but it does not become guaranteed until June 28.
There are two potential options for the Clippers. With a stricter CBA incoming, they could cut Gordon, save $20.9 million, and reduce luxury cap penalties. On the other hand, they could use the contract as a potential trade chip. In 2022, the front office traded Eric Bledsoe’s nonguaranteed contract to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the Norman Powell-Robert Covington deal. Gordon’s contract is ideal for any team looking to free up cap space this summer.
On the court, Gordon is a solid role player. With the Clippers, he shot 42.3 percent from 3. Regardless, there are too many variables to pencil him in on next season’s roster.