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LA Clippers warned against ‘volatility’ of double signing, it would underline Kawhi Leonard concerns

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Bergas Agung | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 9:18 PM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers have carried championship expectations since Kawhi Leonard arrived in 2019, but have never lived up to the hype.

Their biggest achievement remains a Western Conference Finals appearance, falling short despite Kawhi Leonard playing alongside multiple All-Stars.

The primary culprit behind their underachievement is Leonard’s persistent injury troubles. The superstar has played 60 games or more just once since joining Los Angeles, including only 37 games last season.

The concerning age factor with Beal and Paul additions

Reports linking the Clippers to Bradley Beal and Chris Paul raise serious concerns about roster construction.

Beal is already 32 while Paul has crossed 40, potentially creating a core of four players over 30 alongside Leonard and James Harden.

The health concerns multiply when considering Beal’s recent injury history. The former Washington star hasn’t played more than 60 games since the 2018-19 season, mirroring Leonard’s availability issues that have plagued the franchise.

NBA journalist Howard Beck highlighted the inherent risks of building around Leonard’s limitations: “You are on the Kawhi Leonard train. Like, you’re just there. So all you can do is look at who you’ve got and say, ‘Does this group make sense together? Do we make it deeper? Did we make it or on paper?’”

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Howard Beck questions the volatility of an aging superteam

Beck acknowledged the Clippers’ paper strength while emphasizing the built-in concerns: “On paper, the Clippers are that much ahead of the game.

“And you go into the season hoping that you get closer to a full season from Kawhi. And what does that mean if you won 50 games with him only playing 37?”

“I would feel pretty good given where they are, given the built-in limitations, and concerns they always have as Kawhi Leonard team. You are getting continually older here.”

Beck summarized the ultimate gamble: “So if it’s Beal and Chris Paul, maybe James Harden and Kawhi, this is an old team and there’s a lot of volatility that goes with health risk, but it’s a lot of really good players, too.”

The talent level remains undeniable despite age concerns

Beck’s analysis carries weight because the talent level is undeniable. The potential quartet includes former All-Stars, a former MVP, a former Finals MVP, and three arguable Hall of Famers on their resume.

Beyond the star power, the Clippers boast solid depth with Ivica Zubac , Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn, and new additions like Brook Lopez and Zach Collins providing size.

If Leonard can maintain his health, particularly during the playoffs, the Clippers possess the talent to make a deep postseason run.

However, ‘if‘ remains the biggest word surrounding this franchise’s championship aspirations with an aging, injury-prone core.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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