Are Clippers positioning themselves for massive 2027 move?

The Clippers have quietly retooled their roster in a way that allows them to stay competitive right now while keeping long-term flexibility. Paul George is gone. Kawhi Leonard is still around on a huge deal, but most of the new additions this summer — Chris Paul, Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez — are all on short-term contracts. This team isn’t locked into anything beyond a two-year window.

That means if Giannis does hit free agency in 2027, the Clippers could be one of the very few contenders with serious cap space to chase him.

And it’s not just Simmons who sees it. Zach Lowe echoed the idea, saying Clippers exec Lawrence Frank isn’t exactly subtle when he’s chasing a star. The franchise did something similar in 2019 to land Leonard and George. This could be that playbook all over again.

But why would Giannis leave Milwaukee in the first place?

Well, the Bucks have been scrambling to keep their championship window alive. They traded Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma last season and waived Damian Lillard this summer — both moves aimed at reshaping the roster around Giannis. They also brought in Myles Turner to boost rim protection, signaling that they know they’re on the clock.

Giannis has always preached loyalty, but he’s also made it clear: he wants to win. And if the Bucks can’t consistently deliver a chance to win, it’s not hard to imagine him looking elsewhere. By 2027, he’ll be 32 — still in his prime, still a two-way force — and the perfect target for a team with money, ambition and a market like L.A.

The Clippers, by then, could have a clean cap sheet and an owner in Steve Ballmer who’s not afraid to throw money and resources at a superstar. If Giannis hits the market, they’d have a legitimate pitch — and maybe the most competitive one.

Of course, this is all hypothetical for now. Simmons didn’t report it as sourced info, more like an educated prediction. But in a league where long-term planning often matters more than anything that happens in July, the Clippers’ path is worth watching.

They’re not just trying to stay relevant today — they might be laying the foundation for the biggest move of the decade. And if that’s the case, don’t be surprised if 2027 ends with Giannis in a Clippers jersey.