The Clippers still have work to do in the offseason.
The Los Angeles Clippers have undergone a number of changes over the past season, with the team looking much different this offseason than it did last year.
Last year, the team was still adding as they tried to build around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in hopes of making a championship run in the Kawhi era. The team acquired Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, and John Collins.
The moves didn't quite pan out as Paul was effectively kicked off the team after less than 20 games, and Beal suffered a hip injury six games into the season.
Harden and Ivica Zubac were traded at the deadline, while Kawhi and Collins were traded this offseason.
Now, the Clippers have plenty of question marks headed into next year.
What's Up With Kawhi Leonard?
The Clippers had an agreement with the Toronto Raptors that would send Kawhi to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and draft compensation.
Due to the ongoing investigation into Kawhi and the Clippers regarding his no show sponsorship with Aspiration, the trade is currently on hold. It won't go through until the investigation, which has been going on since September, is wrapped.
Until the Clippers get clarity on the Kawhi situation, it's going to be tough to proceed since they don't know if they'll be entering next season with Kawhi or Ingram.
Can They Re-Sign Bennedict Mathurin?
There has been much reported movement regarding Mathurin and a new contract with the Clippers. He's currently a restricted free agent.
The team acquired him as part of the Ivica Zubac trade and he was thought to be a big part of the team's future. He averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 26 games with the Clippers.
Mathurin just turned 24 and has Finals experience, going to the championship round as a member of the Indiana Pacers in 2025. He's viewed as a key part of the Clippers future, but that can only be the case if he is under contract.
Is The Front Court Good Enough?
Brook Lopez is the current starter, but there are questions as to whether or not he can hold up an entire season at 38 years old.
Behind him, the main frontcourt options are Isaiah Jackson, who has been a backup his entire career, Yanic Konan Niederhäuser, a sophomore coming off Lisfranc surgery, and rookie second-round pick Baba Miller.
They did sign Rui Hachimura, but he's an undersized power forward.
As it stands, they have to find frontcourt help if they hope to compete with the elite bigs in the West.
