Los Angeles Clippers: A hot start from Tobias Harris is huge for the future

Tobias Harris may be in line to become an all-star in 2019. If Harris indeed has a hot start, it will pay huge dividends to the Los Angeles Clippers’ future.

The Los Angeles Clippers acquired forward Tobias Harris alongside Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic and a 2018 first-round draft pick in exchange for Blake Griffin.

At the time of the deal, fans around the basketball were confused why the Clippers would deal the superstar the team just signed to a max extension. However, as the rest of the year went on, it was clear the Clippers made the right move in freeing up the contract and got some nice pieces in return.

In fact, acquiring Harris and the other pieces arguably left the Clippers in a better overall situation. Harris played as good, if not better than Griffin after the deal. And while Bradley’s year ended prematurely with an injury, the defensive-minded guard re-signed and will have an impact next year.

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After a great season in Los Angeles, the Clippers reportedly offered Harris an extension worth $80 million, to which Harris declined. Now, Harris’ long-term future in LA is bleak and the Clippers need a specific something out of the forward.

The Los Angeles Clippers need Harris to pick next season up where he left next season off and improve; the Clippers need a very hot first half out of Harris.

Harris showed the potential to score over 20 points a night while snagging at least six rebounds. He can space the floor as well as score down low, he is a threat both on isolation and off-ball, in transition and in both forward positions.

That is an intriguing skill set to have and makes Harris an interesting piece to add, especially for a contending team that is looking to add pieces to make a title push.

With a hot start, a contender is going to be more than likely to overpay for half a season of Harris and give the Lakers something to add to the planned quick rebuild. If Harris is not planning on being a Clipper regardless, why keep him around when a title is out of grasp?

A team like the Houston Rockets immediately comes to mind, although they do not have much promising youth aside from future picks. The New Orleans Pelicans could become buyers, as could the Philadelphia 76ers or Toronto Raptors.

Any team that is in a better position than anticipated is going to look at a rental to strike the iron while it is hot, Harris is a perfect trade chip.

Heck, let’s say the Golden State Warriors are banged and the Los Angeles Lakers are in striking distance, it would not be surprising to see them pursue Harris, send an expiring deal in return and also have to give up youth like Josh Hart.

Laker fans may not overly like that deal, however, if there is a realistic chance of winning the title with Harris, the Lakers will jump at the bait.

A slow start from Harris is going to counteract any interest and will get the Clippers a boring return — if the team even decides to deal him.

Next. Clippers backcourt will be among the best in the NBA. dark

However, with an all-star caliber start, Tobias Harris will not only help the Los Angeles Clippers win games now but win games in the future.

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