Clippers Trade Interest in NBA Stars Creates a Tough Road for Kings
The new era of the NBA has fans fantasizing about the idea of "superteams" across the league. While the Denver Nuggets managed to win the 2023 NBA Finals without bringing together multiple All-NBA stars, nobody wants to go up against a 2024 Phoenix Suns squad led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Deandre Ayton.
The Los Angeles Clippers want to be the next NBA team to create a "superteam." In the 2019 off-season, the Clippers brought in All-NBA forwards Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to become one of the most talented duos in NBA history.
Unfortunately for the Clippers, the star duo has had no success and trouble staying healthy. Leonard, 32, and George, 33, are nearing the back end of their prime, as the 2023-24 season could be their last chance to capitalize.
The Clippers have been searching for a third star, with Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard and Philadelphia 76ers James Harden being the most talked about stars across the league.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports that Harden "still hopes" to find his way to the Clippers via trade, despite ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports suggesting the Clippers have shut down trade talks with the 76ers (via NBA on ESPN / YouTube).
While the Harden trade saga has been overly dramatic, the 10-time All-Star and one-time MVP winner getting shipped to Los Angeles could have implications for the Sacramento Kings.
As the Kings division rivals, the Clippers getting stronger could ultimately be the downfall of Sacramento's championship chances.
Following a 48-win 2022-23 season, the Kings are using that momentum and a solid off-season to string together a deep playoff run in 2024. Centered around the All-NBA duo of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento is in a prime position to capitalize on its young talent.
The Pacific Division has already gotten stronger this off-season, with the Suns acquiring Beal and the Golden State Warriors snagging 12-time All-Star Chris Paul, so the Clippers getting Harden would propel them to the top of a tough division.
The Kings are a strong enough team to take over the Pacific Division regardless of what players come through, but adding another star to an already-talented Clippers squad would make it a tough road for Sacramento.
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