The Los Angeles Clippers completed significant roster changes last week despite the ongoing NBA investigation involving Kawhi Leonard. Team president Lawrence Frank asserted that the probe into Leonard’s situation has not influenced their basketball decisions.
Frank noted on Monday that the organization has received no new information from the league since September regarding the inquiry. The NBA is investigating claims that the Clippers breached salary cap rules connected to a $28 million endorsement deal between Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, a now-defunct California sustainability company.
Lawrence Frank Emphasizes Confidence and Daily Operations Remain Steady
We very much feel the same thing that we told you back in September, that we’re on the right side of this,
Frank said.
It really doesn’t impact anything we do on a daily basis.
Major Player Moves and Unexpected Trade Opportunities
Despite winning 19 of their last 25 games, the Clippers traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers. Los Angeles gained guard Darius Garland in exchange for Harden and acquired Bennedict Mathurin along with two first-round draft picks for Zubac.
Frank shared that these moves were not part of the original plan. Cleveland reached out about Harden first, while Indiana presented what he called a Godfather-type offer for Zubac.
Zubac’s Farewell Highlights Team’s Emotional Struggles
The departure of Zubac was particularly hard for the Clippers organization. The longest-tenured active player spent several hours at the team’s practice facility saying goodbye to teammates and staff after the trade became official.
There were a lot of tears,
Frank reflected.
It’s hard because we all know what Zu means to us.
Trade Strategies Focus on Youth and Flexibility
Frank described the Harden trade as an effort to stay competitive while lowering the average age of the roster. At 36, Harden had carried a heavy load during Leonard’s injury absences. Although Leonard reportedly felt disappointed by both trades, he continues to support the front office’s approach, according to Frank.
