NBA Rumors: 3 Bold Predictions for the LA Clippers' 2021 NBA offseason

The LA Clippers are a team that is constantly involved in NBA rumors, mostly because of the kind of star power they possess. The Clippers have an important offseason ahead of them, as their front office will have to make some key decisions on existing personnel.

NBA Rumors: LA Clippers will have to make major decisions on impending extensions, 2021 NBA draft pick

The LA Clippers had a great 2020-21 NBA campaign as the team made the Western Conference finals for the first time in the franchise's existence. Kawhi Leonard's injury was probably the only blemish on a strong playoff run, and head coach Tyronn Lue will be hoping management can keep the same core for next season.

On that note, here are three bold predictions for the LA Clippers' 2021 NBA offseason

#3 Kawhi Leonard will decline his player option

Utah Jazz v Los Angeles Clippers - Game Four

Kawhi Leonard recently underwent successful surgery following an ACL tear and injury that he incurred during the Western Conference semi-finals series against the Utah Jazz. Leonard is expected to miss at least 6-8 months due to the injury setback.

Leonard's rehabilitation is set to play a key role in the decision regarding his next destination. NBA rumors across the league suggest that Leonard might decline the player option in his contract, which would present him with two options - re-sign with the LA Clippers on a new deal or sign elsewhere.

Kawhi Leonard opting out of deal seen as most likely scenario“The most likely scenario, league sources say, remains Leonard opting out to re-sign with the Clippers — or, in Steve Ballmer’s worst nightmare, to shock the league by signing elsewhere."https://t.co/ZRs32z69l0

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 17, 2021

Marc Stein recently reported that Leonard doesn't want to switch teams for the third time, but he also mentioned that as the days progress, the idea of him leaving the LA Clippers doesn't seem that absurd. The Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks are the only teams that can absorb Leonard's potential contract, and it will be intriguing to see what the two-time NBA champion ends up doing.

Kawhi Leonard's situation is very similar to Kevin Durant's in 2019, and we predict that like what the Slim Reaper did then, the former Raptors man will take his talents elsewhere this summer.

Kawhi Leonard underwent successful surgery today to repair a partial right ACL tear, the Clippers announced. pic.twitter.com/qUTbsChm1u

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 14, 2021

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#2 Reggie Jackson won't return

Phoenix Suns v Los Angeles Clippers - Game Four

Reggie Jackson was undoubtedly the biggest surprise package of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The LA Clippers point guard stepped up when Kawhi Leonard went down with an injury, complementing Paul George perfectly in the series against the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.

Reggie Jackson averaged 17.8 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists on a staggering 40.8% shooting from behind the 3-point arc during the playoffs. He can be a handy option to have both as a starter and a bench player and can play both on-and-off the ball.

Jackson is set to become an Early Bird free agent eligible for up to a four-year deal projected at $46 million. Jackson showcased his talent on the offensive end throughout the LA Clippers' postseason campaign, and it won't be a shock to see him leave Tyronn Lue's team for top-dollar elsewhere.

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#1 The LA Clippers trade the #25 pick

BIG3 - Week Two

The LA Clippers have one pick in the upcoming 2021 NBA Draft, which is #25. So far, the LA Clippers have mostly been linked with point guards and perimeter defenders like Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois), Jaden Springer (Tennessee), and Tre Mann (Florida). Daishen Nix, Josh Butler, and Josh Christopher have also been discussed in NBA rumors.

However, the LA Clippers view themselves as championship contenders, and drafting a player in the 2021 NBA draft might turn out to be counter-productive. The Clippers' core of Paul George, Marcus Morris, Luke Kennard and Ivica Zubac might need some heavy assistance this summer, especially if the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum end up parting ways.

In that scenario, the LA Clippers will most likely have to trade the #25 pick away for immediate help. The Clippers need depth at point guard and center/power forward position, and the #25 pick along with a dispensable piece could get them a player who can fill one of these two roles.

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