After a five-game winning streak, the Los Angeles Clippers embarked on a seven-game winning streak. However, they suffered an unexpected loss in their opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team's performance was a surprise, but the result was not surprising. During the game, the Clippers clearly exposed their most fatal weakness - the weakness of their interior defense. The Cleveland Cavaliers' Mobley and Jarratt Allen made the most of their talents, scoring comfortably under the basket, contributing 30 points and 28 rebounds. This gave the league's No. 1 Big Four. While the Clippers have superstar combinations like Harden, Westbrook, George and Leonard, and their dominance is unquestionable, they will have to address interior issues if they are to compete for a championship.
In order to go far in future games, Clippers management understands that bringing in a big man who can guard the basket is a crucial decision. Team owner Ballmer hinted after the team's win over the Boston Celtics that a major trade could happen before the trade deadline. They intend to bring in a top-20 superstar in the league to help the team. Durant's name became prominent in the blockbuster trade. While the possibility of him joining the Clippers is only theoretical, considering the recent poor performance of the Phoenix Suns and the jealousy of Booker and Beal, it may lead to the dissolution of the rookie duo "Big Three". In addition to Durant, Ballmer is also trying to assess the value of other players on the team. Zubac is the team's most important issue right now, he is about to become a free agent, and the team needs to address his contract extension before the offseason.
Overly impatient, Ballmer offered Zubac a contract extension immediately after the Clippers beat the Boston Celtics. They are only willing to offer Zubac a new four-year, $66 million contract. This kind of behavior is actually too impatient and does not have adequate evaluation and decision-making. In comparison, citing the example of the Pelicans is worth learning from. The Pelicans are unwilling to offer starting center Wallan a contract with an annual salary of well over $15 million, preferring to sacrifice a first-round pick to send him away. This is exactly the kind of situation that Ballmer wants to see.
After renewing Zubac's contract, management only gave him and his team three days to think about it. It's a clear move to cut through the mess and to keep the team nimble ahead of the trade deadline. The Clippers want Zubac to accept a new contract, but it doesn't matter whether he accepts it now.
The arrival of Harden has undoubtedly improved the team's fighting power and helped them play at a higher level. However, such operations are not without risk. For example, the partnership with Claxton, where Harden previously played for the Nets, was very efficient. Their attack combo became one of the Alliance's most threatening killer features. Claxton is averaging 124 points, 109 rebounds and 19 assists. Although his stats have improved, the Nets' management believes that his potential has not yet reached the ceiling, so the asking price of 25 million per year in the contract extension negotiations directly ended the discussion. He could be traded, and the Los Angeles Clippers are a potential next home.
Zubac's addition is undoubtedly a good thing for the Clippers. His presence will not only strengthen the team's interior defense, but also make Harden's pick-and-roll play on the offensive end more threatening. At this point, the team's management is pushing Zubac's demand for a contract extension and is actually putting pressure on them to stay flexible until the trade deadline. Whether Zubac accepts the new contract or not, it has become irrelevant.
Overall, if the Clippers want to make a bigger breakthrough this season, it will be crucial to solve the interior problem. Ballmer's actions show the urgent need of the team, but management should be more careful to consider various factors. At the same time, they can learn how to deal with potential players in contract negotiations, taking a page from what other teams have done. Either way, the Clippers must make smart decisions before the trade deadline to ensure the long-term development of the team.