The Chicago Bulls should not chase draft picks from the Los Angeles Clippers right now. It sounds like a great deal on paper, but the math does not add up for a team trying to build for the future. The NBA handed down a historic punishment to the Clippers that changes everything about their trade value.
The Historic Punishment
The league stripped the Clippers of five first-round draft picks starting in 2029 and ending with the 2033 selection. This penalty came after an investigation into how the team handled the Kawhi Leonard contract. “The NBA world is still reeling from the historic punishment handed down to the Los Angeles Clippers for their role in the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention scandal”, according to Pippen Ain’t Easy.
Owner Steve Ballmer also received a $30 million fine. He was suspended along with front office head Lawrence Frank and president of business operations Gillian Zucker. Back in 2000, the Minnesota Timberwolves received the sole penalty in NBA history that rivals this one. This is not a small slap on the wrist. It is a massive blow to the franchise’s ability to restock its roster.
The Toronto Trade Reality
The Clippers already agreed to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, with the deal held pending the NBA investigation and now expected to proceed. The deal would bring back guard Gradey Dick, forward Brandon Ingram, and two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033. It also includes a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round picks. “After losing five consecutive first-round picks, LA should be desperate to replenish its draft cupboard”.
Oklahoma City received a massive package from the Clippers during the Paul George trade, all to ensure Leonard would sign. They won three playoff series but never made the finals after that big move. Now they face a void in the future draft class. They need young talent and replacement draft capital after forfeiting lice first-round picks.Â
Why The Bulls Must Stay Away
Bulls fans want draft capital, but these specific picks are tainted by the scandal. The league is watching closely to ensure the punishment sticks. If the Clippers forfeited their own 2029-2033 first-round picks, they cannot trade picks they no longer own. There is no need for the league to “step in”.The team is focused on acquiring young players to offset the loss of their own assets. They will not sell cheap picks to rebuild their cupboard.
The Bulls should focus on their own internal development instead. Chasing a deal that might not happen or could be voided is a waste of time. The Clippers lost five consecutive first-round picks as part of the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention punishment.
