Los Angeles Clippers' Toughest Player Departures In The Last 10 Years

The Los Angeles Clippers have had their share of ups and downs, but the recent departure of Paul George marks a particularly tough moment for the franchise. George, who was expected to lead the Clippers to a championship alongside Kawhi Leonard, left the team in the 2024 offseason after failed contract negotiations. The Clippers had offered George a three-year extension, but George was seeking a four-year deal, leading to a significant gap in negotiations. As a result, George opted to leave as a free agent, signing a more lucrative deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Clippers' decision was influenced by both the financial constraints of the new CBA and concerns over the age of their roster. Ultimately, the franchise decided that it was best to part ways with George rather than commit to a long-term deal that could limit their future flexibility. George’s departure leaves the Clippers with a major void, as they must now navigate a path forward without one of their key stars. This isn’t the first time the Clippers have faced such a challenge, so let’s take a look at the toughest departures the team has dealt with over the last decade.

1. Chris Paul

Chris Paul's arrival in Los Angeles in 2011 was a game-changer for the Clippers. Known as the "Point God," Paul immediately elevated the team's status from a perennial underperformer to a legitimate playoff contender. His leadership, vision on the court, and ability to make his teammates better turned the Clippers into one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. Alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, Paul helped form the core of the "Lob City" era, known for its high-flying dunks and fast-paced play.

During his six seasons with the Clippers, Paul led the team to the playoffs each year, bringing them to the forefront of the Western Conference. His ability to control the game, especially in the clutch, was unmatched, and he became the face of the franchise. However, despite their regular-season success, the Clippers could never quite make it past the second round of the playoffs, often falling short due to injuries or disappointing performances when it mattered most.

By 2017, the team’s failure to reach the Western Conference Finals had begun to weigh heavily on both Paul and the organization. With the core of the Lob City era aging and the team’s window for contention seemingly closing, Paul made the decision to leave. He was traded to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal, ending an era for the Clippers. The trade brought in new pieces, but it also marked the end of the most successful period in Clippers' history up to that point.

Paul's departure was a significant moment for the Clippers. While the team attempted to rebuild and retool in the aftermath, they struggled to regain the same level of success. Paul's leadership and playmaking were irreplaceable, and his exit left a void that the franchise took years to fill. The "Lob City" era was officially over, and the Clippers were once again in search of an identity without their star point guard.

2. Paul George

Paul George’s arrival in Los Angeles in 2019 was part of a bold move by the Clippers to create a championship-caliber team. Teaming up with Kawhi Leonard, George was expected to bring the Clippers their first-ever NBA title. Known for his two-way play, George averaged 23.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game during his time with the Clippers. His defensive prowess earned him multiple All-Defensive Team selections, while he also made the All-Star team three times as a Clipper.

Despite the high expectations, George’s tenure was marred by injuries and inconsistent playoff performances. He did have standout moments, like leading the Clippers to their first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance in 2021, averaging 26.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists during that playoff run. However, he and the team could never reach the ultimate goal of winning a championship, and the constant setbacks led to growing frustration within the organization and among fans.

In the 2024 offseason, contract negotiations between George and the Clippers reached a stalemate. The Clippers were unwilling to meet George’s demand for a four-year extension, citing concerns about his age and the constraints of the new CBA. As a result, George opted to leave the team, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent . His departure was a significant blow to the Clippers’ title aspirations, as they lost one of their key stars without getting anything in return.

George’s exit leaves the Clippers in a challenging position as they look to rebuild and stay competitive in the Western Conference. Without George, the team’s chances of contending for a championship are significantly diminished. The move also marks the end of a chapter in the Clippers’ history, as they must now find a new path forward without one of the players who was supposed to lead them to glory.

3. Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin was the face of the Clippers during the "Lob City" era, known for his electrifying dunks and highlight-reel plays. Drafted first overall in 2009, Griffin quickly became one of the most exciting players in the league. In his rookie season, Griffin averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Over his time with the Clippers, he was a six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and the cornerstone of the team’s success in the early 2010s.

Griffin’s combination of athleticism and skill helped lead the Clippers to multiple playoff appearances, but the team never made it past the second round. Injuries began to take a toll on Griffin's explosiveness, and by the 2017-18 season, the Clippers were looking to move in a different direction. In a surprising mid-season trade in January 2018, Griffin was sent to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, and draft picks.

The trade marked the end of an era for the Clippers, as they moved on from the player who had defined their resurgence in the NBA. Griffin’s departure was a tough pill to swallow for fans, as it symbolized the breakup of the Lob City core and a shift toward rebuilding. Despite the trade, Griffin continued to be a productive player, even earning All-NBA Third Team honors in 2019 with the Pistons, but his departure left the Clippers without the star power that had made them a perennial playoff team.

Griffin's exit was a significant moment in Clippers history, signaling the end of their most successful period up to that point. His contributions to the franchise are still celebrated, as he remains one of the most iconic players in Clippers history.

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4. DeAndre Jordan

DeAndre Jordan was the defensive anchor and rebounding powerhouse of the Clippers during the Lob City era. Drafted by the Clippers in 2008, Jordan quickly developed into one of the most dominant centers in the NBA. Known for his shot-blocking and rim protection, Jordan led the league in rebounds twice (2014, 2015) and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 2016. He was also a key part of the Clippers' high-flying offense, often finishing alley-oops from Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

Jordan’s importance to the team extended beyond just his defensive prowess; he was a central figure in the Clippers’ identity during their most successful period. His ability to control the paint and his chemistry with Paul and Griffin made the Clippers one of the most feared teams in the league. However, after nearly a decade with the team, Jordan’s time in Los Angeles came to an end in 2018 when he opted out of his contract and signed with the Dallas Mavericks in free agency.

Jordan’s departure was particularly tough for the Clippers, as it marked the final breakup of the Lob City core. With Griffin and Paul already gone, losing Jordan meant the team had fully entered a new era. Despite his exit, Jordan left a lasting legacy in Los Angeles as one of the best big men in franchise history. His contributions during his time with the Clippers helped elevate the team to heights they had never reached before, making his departure a significant moment in the franchise’s history.

5. JJ Redick

JJ Redick was one of the most reliable and efficient shooters in the NBA during his time with the Clippers. Acquired in 2013 as part of a sign-and-trade deal, Redick quickly became a key piece in the team’s offense, providing the floor spacing that allowed stars like Chris Paul and Blake Griffin to operate more effectively. Over his four seasons with the Clippers, Redick averaged 15.8 points per game and shot an impressive 44% from beyond the arc, consistently ranking among the league's top shooters.

Redick’s presence on the court was pivotal to the success of the Clippers during the Lob City era. His ability to move without the ball and hit clutch shots made him an essential component of their offensive schemes. He set numerous records with the team, including the franchise record for most three-pointers made in a season, showcasing his importance to the Clippers' game plan.

In 2017, Redick left the Clippers to sign a lucrative contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, ending his four-year stint in Los Angeles. His departure was a significant loss for the Clippers, as they struggled to replace his shooting and veteran leadership. Without Redick, the team lost a key element of its offense, which contributed to the gradual decline of the Lob City era. Redick's exit marked another step in the dismantling of a team that had been one of the most exciting and competitive in the league during his tenure.

6. Lou Williams

Lou Williams became one of the most beloved players in Clippers history during his time with the team. Acquired in 2017 as part of the trade that sent Chris Paul to Houston, Williams quickly made his mark as one of the NBA's most lethal scorers off the bench. Over his four seasons with the Clippers, Williams won the Sixth Man of the Year award twice (2018, 2019) and averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 assists per game, becoming the spark plug for the team’s second unit.

Williams' ability to score in bunches and his knack for hitting big shots in crucial moments made him a fan favorite. His contributions were instrumental in the Clippers' surprising 2019 playoff run, where they pushed the heavily favored Golden State Warriors to six games in the first round. Williams’ leadership and scoring off the bench helped establish the Clippers as a gritty, resilient team, especially during the transitional period following the Lob City era.

In March 2021, Williams was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Rajon Rondo, marking the end of his impactful stint with the Clippers. His departure was emotional for both Williams and Clippers fans, as he had become a symbol of the team’s toughness and determination. Even after leaving, Williams remains one of the most cherished players in Clippers history, and his contributions during his time in Los Angeles are fondly remembered.

7. Montrezl Harrell

Montrezl Harrell was a crucial part of the Clippers’ identity during his time with the team, known for his relentless energy, physicality, and hustle. Acquired in the same 2017 trade that brought Lou Williams to Los Angeles, Harrell quickly emerged as one of the best sixth men in the league. His ability to dominate in the paint, combined with his fiery competitiveness, made him a fan favorite. Harrell averaged 15.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game during his three seasons with the Clippers, culminating in his 2020 Sixth Man of the Year award.

Harrell's impact on the court was undeniable, particularly in the pick-and-roll game, where his chemistry with Williams was a constant threat to opposing defenses. His high-energy play and versatility as an undersized center were key to the Clippers' success, especially in the 2018-19 season when the team exceeded expectations by making the playoffs without a true superstar.

However, in the 2020 offseason, Harrell made the surprising decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Clippers’ crosstown rivals. His departure was a significant loss for the Clippers, as they not only lost a vital contributor off the bench but also saw him join their biggest competitor in the Western Conference. Harrell’s exit marked the end of an era for the Clippers’ bench unit, which had been one of the most productive in the league during his tenure.

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