The Los Angeles Clippers are under investigation for allegedly slipping the NBA's salary cap, and the result may reshape the series after urging to follow Zion Williamson. Punishments can range from fines and suspensions to pick forfeiture, or in the worst case, Kawhi Leonard's contract is declared.
While Commissioner Adam Silver is not expected to announce a ruling within a few months, it has been advised that the Clippers take bold action before their assets are deprived.
Tom Haberstroh of Yahoo Sports suggests that Los Angeles should pursue New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson.
“If the Clippers trade a star with their pick, what can Silver do? As long as the investigation is ongoing, the answer is almost certainly nothing.” “Frozen team assets during the investigation will lead to a full-blown uprising for other owners – last week, the opposition of Silver's “Innocent” decree. Ultimately, Silver's hand will be tied until the verdict is brought up.”
Williamson's career is defined by dominance. He has only 30 games in just two in six seasons. But, since the Clippers are already a proven 50-win team, adding Williamson will mean inserting him into a contender rather than asking him to carry the franchise.
Haberstroh framed it as: “If you can tolerate injured Leonard, why not double it up? From the side of the Pelicans, they have a new front desk led by Joe Dumars and know that the new regime can clean the houses so they can start with the blank canvas.”
Potential deals could be given to John Collins, Derrick Jones Jr., two future first-round picks in 2030 and 2032, plus a 2031 swap with New Orleans. This will give the Pelicans draft capital and flexibility next summer for Jeremiah Fear and Derek Queen rebuilding flexibility while opening $26.5 million next summer.
For the Clippers, Gambling will create a lineup that includes Leonard, Williamson, James Harden, Bradley Bill and Ivika Zubak, along with Chris Paul, Chris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nicholas Batum.
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