The Los Angeles Clippers are enjoying a solid season in the NBA, although injuries have limited their potential once again and they may already be looking elsewhere.
Mega-rich owner Steve Ballmer is already looking forward to next year, and with rumblings reportedly set to occur at the Golden State Warriors, he's ready. The Clippers are said to be keeping an eye on roster movements at the Warriors, according to The Athletic.
The Warriors may not be having the best season by their standards, but they still have one of the best rosters in the league. Four titles in eight years is no easy achievement, but their tight-knit group may see a key departure in the near future.
Until now, the Warriors have managed to keep a very talented and friendly group together. However, that could change this summer as it's claimed that due to rising salary numbers, and also increased luxury tax concerns, the Warriors may have to cut a big player.
That choice could be as brutal as either letting Klay Thompson or Draymond Green go, and the Clippers are prepared. The Clippers have the richest owner in professional sports, as the ex-Microsoft CEO essentially has a blank chequebook when it comes to financial dealings.
Obviously teams still have to operate under cap rules, but their situation is not like the one in Golden State. The Athletic claim that Warriors executive Bob Myers may face choosing between cutting Thompson or Green due to rising costs, and the Clippers are keeping an eye on their front office.
That won't be news that Stephen Curry wants to hear though, with the no.30 very content with his side. Thompson, Green and Curry are one of the best trios in the NBA, and all share a special bond away from the court too.
Losing Curry is not even an option for the Warriors, but they may end up upsetting him if they really do have to depart with either Green or Thompson. Curry, Green and Thompson have played together at the Warriors for 10 years, winning four titles together.
Last year, Green even opened up about the bond between the trio, saying: "Our bond stretches far past what we accomplished on the basketball court. Those bonds will last forever. We are linked and connected together forever.
"I couldn't imagine sharing this journey with anyone else. We've built this thing from the ground up..."
If the reports are true, then it could be a seriously hard call to make for executive Bob Myers, and it may affect the team on and off the court. All teams come to the end of their cycle, but it seems like the Warriors still have more left in their system. However, if a cut is needed, the Clippers could be ready and waiting.
