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via Imago
Image Courtesy: IMAGO
This offseason is turning out to be a mixed bag for the Clippers fans. With the excitement of moving into the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome next season, the irk of letting Paul George go for free is a real party dampener. Russell Westbrook is also gone, leaving the Clips with an injury-prone Kawhi Leonard and an inconsistent James Harden.
The Clippers withdrew Leonard from the Team USA roster, stating his fitness as a reason, and truth be told, he could do with some rest. James Harden, on the other hand, signed a new contract to extend his stay in LA. But this is far from ideal for the franchise and someone had to say that out loud. Thank God, we have Kendrick Perkins just for that.
During the latest appearance on SportsCenter, Perkins joined Nicole Briscoe to discuss the Clippers. So far, they’ve been making cuts rather than solid additions to the roster, which raised alarm bells for KP. “You lose Paul George for nothing. And all of a sudden, you lose Russell Westbrook. You sign James Harden, who we know when it matters the most, he’s gonna fold like clean sheets,” Perk said about the 10-time NBA All-Star.
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The Clippers were sent packing in the first-round playoffs last season. Harden had a 21.2-point average in the series against the Mavericks but failed to direct traffic in the final two games of the series, with 16.7% and 31.3% FG in those two games, respectively.
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Should the Clippers trade Kawhi Leonard to save their season?
Yes, it's time for a change
No, keep the core intact
Only if they get a star in return
Depends on James Harden's performance
Who do you think will make the biggest impact in the WNBA Three-into-Three game?
Dearica Hamby
Cameron Brink
Kelsey Plum
Sabrina Ionescu
Whats your Perspective on:
Is trading Kawhi Leonard the Clippers' only hope to salvage their season amid Harden's inconsistency?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka mishandled the situation with Bronny James?
Absolutely
Not at all
Somewhat
Undecided
Do you think Kevin Durant should risk playing in exhibition games before the Paris Olympics?
Yes, he needs the practice
No, it's too risky
Only if he's 100
fit
Depends on the opponent
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-11-11T025212Z_1047649086_MT1USATODAY21866766_RTRMADP_3_NBA-LOS-ANGELES-CLIPPERS-AT-DALLAS-MAVERICKS.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
“And now all of a sudden, you’re in the middle of the pack with a superstar that you can’t trust because you don’t know if he’s (Leonard) gonna be healthy when it matters. So I’m looking at this Los Angeles Clippers team that gave up SGA in a million first-round draft picks to get Paul George. As being stuck in the middle is not good enough. I think they need to, you know, have a coming to Jesus meeting reset,” Perkins added to his argument about the Clippers’ falling house of cards.
Leonard’s absence cost the franchise in the postseason and with his recurring knee issues, not much can be predicted about his well-being next season. That can seriously jeopardize the Clippers and Perkins believes that can truly be the case.
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Perkins predicts a grim future for the Clippers with Kawhi Leonard
What’s your perspective on:
Is trading Kawhi Leonard the Clippers' only hope to salvage their season amid Harden's inconsistency?
Have an interesting take?
With the Russell Westbrook trade, the Clippers have acquired Kris Dunn, who, in all honesty, is not a ground-breaking acquisition. This leaves the franchise overly reliant on Leonard, Harden, and Ivica Zubac, who will be of higher significance after the departure of PG. But this is not enough, according to Perkins. The former Cs player believes trading Kawhi will be the best possible solution. “They really need to consider trading Kawhi Leonard,” Perkins said.
The 39-year-old further insisted, “Not because he still can’t be productive, but with this squad and this roster that they have around them, they’re not threats to winning the championship. They’re not even threats to winning to making any noise in the Western Conference.” Yikes!
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![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-21T020641Z_1443128305_MT1USATODAY22149347_RTRMADP_3_NBA-LOS-ANGELES-CLIPPERS-AT-DALLAS-MAVERICKS.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
On the surface, it seems to be a reasonable assessment. The Western Conference teams around them have added pieces to their already potent arsenal, but the Clippers have failed to do so thus far. If Steve Ballmer and Co. fail to capitalize on the rest of the offseason, their new home might just miss that star who can set the arena alight.
Debate
Is trading Kawhi Leonard the Clippers' only hope to salvage their season amid Harden's inconsistency?