After including veterans like Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, John Collins, and Chris Paul, the Clippers seem poised for a championship push proper now.
However behind the scenes, the franchise is reportedly laying the groundwork for a large swing in 2027, one that might deliver two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to L.A.
“However what they’ve actually accomplished right here is obvious the books for 2027,” Invoice Simmons stated on The Invoice Simmons Podcast. “It’s as a result of Giannis is a free agent in the summertime of 2027…I believe this can be a actual factor, I believe the Bucks are fearful of it.”
Solely Ivica Zubac is underneath contract for the 2027–28 season, leaving the Clippers with near-max cap flexibility. Simmons believes that was no accident.
“However I believe when you’re the Clippers, and quick time period, you may compete with a puncher’s likelihood for a title, however long run, you will have $20 million on the books for 2027,” he stated. “This can be a group that spends each potential asset, greenback, to impress the people who play for it, and I believe that’s their finish recreation is that summer season of 2027, short-term ‘let’s attempt to win’, long-term Giannis.”
Zach Lowe echoed the sentiment, including, “All people is aware of the timetable of Giannis’ contract, everyone sees how determined the Bucks are.”
Regardless of the chatter, Milwaukee isn’t prepared to maneuver on from their franchise cornerstone. The Bucks have reloaded round Antetokounmpo, including Myles Turner, Cole Anthony, and Gary Harris, whereas re-signing Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Trent Jr.
“By all accounts, he’s nice in Milwaukee, and the group goes to be fairly good,” Simmons stated. “That they had a very good offseason when you think about that the second-best participant on the group was going to overlook your complete season…They’ve added collectively a group that, in a weak convention, with the perfect participant within the convention, a minimum of is now within the recreation.”
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