“Clippers’ Last Shot at Glory? Kawhi’s Final Stand!”
$11 million. His deal will have a player option next summer. So, he’s slated to be one of the top free agents next off seasonason. Here’s something interesting. I’m told James Harden was a focal point in recruiting Bradley Beal. The Clippers really view Bradley Beiel as a perfect fit alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. The Los Angeles Clippers just pulled off one of the boldest roster overhauls in recent NBA memory. After losing Paul George to Philly’s massive $212 million deal, they didn’t panic. They reloaded. Instead of chasing stars, they signed a group of battle tested veterans on bargain contracts and doubled down on Kawhi Leonard’s health. The result, a roster that could either surprise the West or completely fall apart due to age and injuries. What makes this even crazier, Chris, Paul is back in a Clippers jersey, returning to the franchise where Lob City died, and he’s reuniting with James Harden after their dramatic Houston fallout. This is either a redemption arc or a recipe for disaster. Either way, it’s mustwatch basketball. [Music] [Music] [Applause] A year ago, the Clippers were being roasted for lowballing Paul George with a 2-year dollar 60 million offer and not even trading him before he walked. It seemed wild at the time, especially considering he and Kawhi Leonard arrived together as the franchise’s crown jewels. And now things just got even crazier. Chris Paul and James Harden, two stars with a Rocky Past star, suddenly teammates again. Remember, the Rockets traded CP3 for Westbrook, partly because of locker room tension with Harden. So what exactly are the Clippers trying to pull off here? Are they building a legit title contender or is something deeper in play? Here’s what most people aren’t seeing. The Clippers aren’t just patching holes. They’re setting up for a bigger future. Behind the scenes, this might be more about flexibility and long-term control than chasing a quick ring. And while the internet debates if CP3 and Harden can even function together again, the Clippers are quietly shifting gears. What happens next could shock everyone. Now, let’s break this all down. No fluff. So, the first initial deal, let’s get into it. 2 years 60. I’m like, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Two years 60. Hey, that’s crazy, bro. That’s right. That’s crazy. The Los Angeles Clippers have just completed one of the most daring, controversial, and frankly bizarre off seasons in recent NBA history. After losing Paul George to Philadelphia without any compensation, this franchise once known for burning through cash to stay in contention took a hard left turn. And what they did next, it wasn’t just unexpected. It was historic. They didn’t panic. It didn’t throw Max contracts at the next big name. They did something smarter, something riskier. They rebuilt with veterans. They gambled on health and they made moves that either make Steve Balmar look like a genius or someone betting the future of his brand new $2 billion arena. The Intuit Dome on creaky knees and faded glory. Let’s rewind. Paul George walked away from the Clippers after being offered a deal that never quite matched what Kawi Leonard got 3 years, $150 million. The Clippers eventually raised their offer to $45 million annually, but the damage was done. George left for Philly and fans were furious. This was supposed to be a win now franchise, not one pinching pennies to duck the luxury tax. But with the NBA’s new second apron rule threatening severe penalties for overspending teams, Balmar drew a line in the sand. Instead of chasing stars, the Clippers pivoted hard end. What followed was a masterclass in creative roster building. Let’s start with Bradley Beal. Just last season, Bell was stuck in Phoenix trying to make things work in a crowded backcourt with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Critics said he was washed, but look at the numbers. 17 points per game on 50% shooting. That’s efficiency. And now the Clippers scooped him up on a 2-year dollar 111 million deals. Lee, one of the biggest bargains in recent NBA memory. Keep in mind, Bell gave up nearly $14 million in his buyout from a $110 million contract. Why? Because James Harden reportedly spent over 30 minutes on the phone recruiting him. That call might go down as one of the most important in Clippers history, but that was just the beginning. Next, the Clippers dealt Norman Powell fresh off a career-high 21.8 points per game to make room for John Collins. Why? Because Powell’s price tag was only going to rise, and the Clippers couldn’t afford to be stuck. Collins, meanwhile, gives them younger legs, athleticism, floor spacing, and most importantly, an expiring 26.5 million contract that adds flexibility. In Utah, Collins averaged 19 points and shot 40% from beyond the ark. This wasn’t just a trade, was a long-term move. disguised as a short-term upgrade. That three-team deal also created a massive trade exception for the Jazz and Central players like Air Coffee and Bones Highland to Utah. It was chess, not checkers. Every move had layers. Then came Brook Lopez. The Clippers had a glaring hole at backup center and they filled it with a seven-footer who can stretch the floor and protect the rim. At 37, Lopez signed for two years and $18 million a steal for someone who still averaged 2.4 blocks and shot 37% from three last season. Critics will point to his age, but this is a guy who’s transformed his game to fit the modern NBA. Plus, he’s reuniting with an old Face Clippers front office exec, Lawrence Frank, who coached him back in New Jersey in 2008. But the real headline the move that sent shock waves across the league was Chris Paul. Yes, Chris Paul is a Clipper again. He signed a one-year $3.6 million deal making the Clippers officially the oldest team in NBA history. But this isn’t just a re a full circle moment. From 2011 to 2017, Chris Paul led the Lob City Clippers through their most successful era, turning them from a laughingtock into a perennial playoff team. His time with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan brought six straight playoff appearances, franchise best records, and division titles. He still holds the franchise record for assists and steals per game. But that’s not the only reunion happening here. Paul is also back with James Harden, his former co-star in Houston, where things were anything but smooth. Their first year together, pure magic. The Rockets won a franchise record 65 games and came within a hamstring injury of toppling the Warriors dynasty. But by year two, the relationship had crumbled. Their encourt clash over ball movement versus isolation plays turned toxic. Reports claimed they went months without speaking. Harden reportedly issued a him or me ultimatum. Houston picked Harden CP3 was shipped to OKC even as recently as 2020. Chris Paul admitted on national TV that he and Harden didn’t talk anymore. Now they’re back on the same team. At age 40, Paul returns in a reduced role, likely off the bench, but with one goal, chase the ring that has eluded him for nearly two decades. Whether time has healed old wounds, remains to be seen, but it adds drama and depth to an already complicated Clippers story. However, there’s a massive elephant in the room. Durability. This Clippers roster is not just old, it’s fragile. Kawaii. Leonard has played just 66% of regular season games in his career. He’s dealt with chronic quad injuries, a partial ACL tear, and recurring knee problems. Last season, he appeared in only 37 games. He withdrew from the Olympics due to knee inflammation, and it’s clear the Clippers will continue carefully managing his minutes. Bradley Beal. He’s only played in 106 of 164 possible games over the last two years. A string of hamstring poles, wrist fractures, and soft tissue injuries have kept him sidelined. At 32, his ability to stay healthy through an 82 game grind is a major question. Mark Chris Paul. He did manage to play all 82 games last season in San Antonio, but expecting that again at age 40 is a big gamble. Brook Lopez is 37. Even James Harden is 35 and Kawaii just turned 34. The core of this team is in its mid too late. 30’s prime territory for decline. This all points to an extremely narrow championship window. If this roster stays healthy, they could make serious noise. But if even one or two key players go down, the whole thing could collapse. Their projected starting five is riddled with red flags. Three of them have extensive injury histories. The other two are aging out of their primes. Depth will matter. Load management will be key and the margin for error. paper thin. Still, the Clippers plan is clear. They didn’t just want to survive losing Paul George. They wanted to flip the entire script. They traded big names and big contracts for short deals and flexibility. They stocked up on experienced players with something to prove. And they leaned into nostalgia, bringing back CP3, not just for basketball reasons, but to remind the fan base what this franchise once was. and what it could still be too. So, what exactly can we expect from the 202526 Clippers? At best, this team finds health, chemistry, and one last spark from its aging stars. Harden and Bell become efficient secondary scorers. Kawaii dominates when it matters. Lopez anchors the defense. CP3 leads a smart, controlled second unit. In that scenario, the Clippers could absolutely be a playoff threat at worst. The legs give out, the injuries pile up, the spacing collapses, and the Clippers become the most expensive retirement home in NBA history. Either way, this season will define the future of the franchise. It all starts now. The Western Conference isn’t just stack tits, an allout war zone. The Wild West literally at the top sit the defending champions. The Oklahoma City Thunder. Fresh off a jaw-dropping 68-4 season. They’re bringing back their entire rotation and are led by reigning MVP Shai Gildas Alexander. With plus 140 odds to repeat as Western Conference champs and a 39-13 inconference record last season, this Thunder squad is being hailed as one of the top three teams in NBA history. They’re young, deep, and dominant. But right behind them, the reloaded Houston Rockets. Last season’s number two seed just pulled off the biggest trade of the off season, acquiring Kevin Durant. Now in crunch time they have a battle tested closer. Combine that with Fred Van Vleet, Alparan Sangon, rising star, Aean Thompson, and a rookie class that fills every gap they’re built for now. Vegas has them at plus 450 to win the West and many are calling them OKC’s most dangerous threat. Meanwhile, the Lakers made the loudest splash of all trading for Luca Donic to pair with LeBron James. That duo gives LA elite scoring. Veteran leadership and championship aspirations again. Despite being older, they managed to dominate the Clippers last season, winning three out of four matchups. At plus 900 odds, they’re in the conversation. Even with coaching chaos, the Denver Nuggets are still in the mix. They let go of Michael Malone, but with Nicola Yokic still on the roster and Bruce Brown back in the fold, they’re not going anywhere. They flipped Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson, a move aimed at balancing the roster. Minnesota with Anthony Edwards leading the charge continues to rise quietly in the background. All this leaves the Clippers in a tough spot. Most analysts pegged them between the fifth and seventh seed in the West. That’s not an insulted, a reflection of how deep the conference is. ESPN labeled them a dangerous first round opponent, but doubted their ability to make a deep run. Vegas agrees, giving them championship odds between plus,800 and plus 2500. The health risks, aging stars, and shallow depth chart all play a role in that skepticism. But here’s the truth. Most people are missing. Dot dot dot. The Clippers aren’t just chasing this season. They’re playing the long game. Behind the veteran signings and reunion headlines lies a stealthy strategy. 2027 free agency. That summer could feature the greatest free agent class in NBA history. Nicola Yokic, Luca Donic, Giannis Ant Takuno, Steph Curry, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Davis, Trey Young, Jimmy Butler, Carlanthony Towns, Kyrie Irving, Zack Lavine, possibly even Kawhai and Harden themselves. The Clippers are clearing the books. Most of their current contracts expire before that summer, giving them a real shot at chasing multiple stars without apron penalties. It’s the same cap clearing strategy the Lakers are using one that reportedly frustrates LeBron who wants to win now. Still, there’s no guarantee these stars will hit the market. Yokic could stay loyal to Denver. Luca might sign an extension next week. Every team’s banking on possibilities, but for the Clippers, 2027 might be the real prize. And I’m curious what you are. And if you’re looking forward to a parade, something bigger. Men’s parade. Men’s parade. Thursday. No, I need to go home. Uh, let’s be real for a second. Does Nicola Yokic strike you as someone who wants to be in a massive media market surrounded by cameras and non-stop pressure? Probably not. And that’s exactly why what the Clippers are doing is so smart. They’ve built a roster that can still compete today, but they’ve also positioned themselves to be major players in 2027 free agency. It’s a rare balance staying relevant now while preparing for a future superstar chase. And yes, nothing in the NBA is guaranteed. Just look at Luca Donic. He led the Mavericks to the 2024 finals. And 8 months later, he was traded to the Lakers. The league changes fast. But in the middle of all that chaos, the Clippers made quiet, calculated moves, and you have to give them credit. Impressive. Now it’s your turn. What do you think of the Clippers off season overhaul? Did they outsmart the Lakers? Are they officially the better LA team? Drop your thoughts below. This one’s going to spark some real debate and trust me, we’ve got more heat coming. Keep watching because what’s happening around the league is just getting started. This is Arabal IQ zone and we’re just warming
The Los Angeles Clippers just shocked the NBA with a brilliant offseason strategy. While most teams are scrambling to win now, the Clippers are playing chess — building a roster that can compete today while quietly preparing for the historic 2027 free agency class.
Bradley Beal on a bargain deal. Chris Paul’s emotional return. A Harden reunion. And massive cap flexibility down the road. Meanwhile, their L.A. rivals are stuck in the spotlight with growing tension.
In this video, we break down why the Clippers’ moves are deeper than they seem — and how they might be setting themselves up to steal the future of the NBA.
💬 Are the Clippers now the smartest team in the league? Let us know in the comments!
#NBA #Clippers #NBAOffseason #KawhiLeonard #ChrisPaul #JamesHarden #BradleyBeal #NBARumors #ErraBallIQZone
Clippers 2025, NBA offseason 2025, Bradley Beal Clippers, Chris Paul Clippers, James Harden Clippers, Clippers free agency, Clippers rebuild 2025, Clippers superteam, Kawhi Leonard, NBA trades 2025, Clippers strategy, Clippers vs Lakers, Clippers 2027 plan, Clippers offseason breakdown, Erra Ball IQ Zone, NBA rumors 2025, NBA analysis 2025, Clippers future plans, Paul George trade, Bradley Beal signing, Chris Paul return Clippers
