7. LA Clippers
Key offseason move: Re-signing Russell Westbrook
Heading into the dog days of the NBA offseason, the LA Clippers are a team that could still end up making a big move. It would be surprising if there wasn’t another transaction that this team decided to make before the start of the season. I suppose that the biggest offseason move that the Clippers have made thus far is re-signing Russell Westbrook. Though, as of note, they’ve been linked to as the preferred landing spot for James Harden who has requested a trade away from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Whether or not that move eventually gets made remains to be seen, but it seems like it’s going to happen at some point. Assuming it does, the Clippers will be entering the season with the trio of Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George. All narratives aside, that’s a pretty talented big 3 for the Clippers.
Even if the Harden move doesn’t come to fruition, this is a team that will have the chance to be dangerous in the Western Conference, health permitting. It’s something we say every year, but if the Clippers can remain healthy, they’re going to be a handful in the West. That said, counting on them to remain healthy for a full season hasn’t exactly worked out that well the last few seasons.