Iowaggie said:
What is a bigger punishment for the Clippers: Kawhi's contract voided or Kawhi stays with Clippers on that contract, playing whenever he wants.
I think that is a tough one. I think voiding the contract is a net positive for the Clippers. He played 37 games last year. Under 1200 minutes. He is 34yo.
Voiding his contract is a massive negative for Kawhi, since no one has cap space for him. If he takes $14M from the Bulls, that's a 36M haircut on this season, then he likely doesn't get $50M next year.
But I think Kawhi likely makes the Lakers trade away some cash to get vet min space under the hard cap and then they sign Kawhi. I think that's a massive punishment to the rest of the league. Like Lakers could trade Dalton Knecht to the Spurs for a couple of 2nds and not take any cap back and then sign Kawhi. Then Spurs just cut or trade Lindy Waters.
My guess is teams don't think the Clippers with Kawhi are THAT scary. How much can they count on their roster?
Center:
Zubac: He's 28, reliable and a great rim protector.
Brook Lopez: 37yo, good rim protector/stretch big, but can exploit his lack of mobility. Has been very healthy last 3 years.
F:
John Collins: Fills up stat sheets on bad teams, makes bone headed plays
Kawhi: Pretty elite when he plays. But that's about half the time. 37 games last year. 34yo.
DJJ: Solid defender, does the little things.
Nic Batum: 37yo, put up 4/3 last year
G:
Harden: 36yo. Still put up All-NBA numbers last year. What kind of shape will he be in?
Bogi: 33yo, shot well in LA last year, but was so awful in Atlanta before.
CP3: Still a good passer that can hit mid range, but can't get to the rim and doesn't have the burst and cant stay in front of guys.
Beal: hurt all the time. Attitude problems. Still a good scorer at 32. Awful defensively.
They have Kawhi, Zubac and DJJ, but defense outside those three is pretty awful. When healthy, they could be good, but they are clearly on a quick decline.
