The Los Angeles Clippers have built a roster ready to win now. The team inked DeAndre Jordan to a new max contract. They have Chris Paul in his prime. They have Blake Griffin set to return from injury and a deep bench. However, what happens if the Clippers do not win a title this year? With their window closing, will a roster shake up occur?
The Clippers have not fared well in the postseason the last few years getting knocked out by Golden State and the San Antonio Spurs. Those teams continue to get stronger which means the Clippers are at risk of history repeating itself. According to backup point guard Jamal Crawford, if the Clippers do not win it all this year, he predicts the team will be forced to breakup the current roster in trades.
"If we don't win it this year -- and I'm not speaking for anybody, just real talk -- they have to consider it," Crawford said, via ESPN.com. "Because that would be what, five years since Chris came? Blake's been here that long. Five years for myself. A lot of teams don't get that kinda time."
Crawford was quick to say that he was encouraged by the way the team was playing this year. They have beaten both the Warriors and the Spurs and appear to be in good form heading into the back-half of the season. However, if they fall short either Paul or Griffin could be on the move in the offseason.
Griffin's future with the Clippers has been murky since the punching incident. The team opted not to move him at the trade deadline despite offers, but that stance could change depending on the situation. According to Sporting News, Griffin is a name that could come up in trades this offseason pending roster shakeups. Teams like the Boston Celtics tried to acquire Griffin at the deadline and could target him if available again.
Paul is another player that could be on the move. The point guard is in his prime and might aim to join a contending team in order to get a title. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith got the ball rolling saying a swap of Kyrie Irving and Paul was being discussed. That got shot down right away, but there is a case for dealing the point guard in the offseason when Los Angeles can get more for his value. All of that is up in the air right now. The Clippers are focused on getting a championship now and not later, but Crawford is right to speculate on other moves.
