3 players the Clippers gave up on at the perfect moment

The NBA operates as a complex business where front offices prioritize team interests over player status, leading to trades or non-renewals without lasting resentment. The LA Clippers exemplify this through three specific transactions that proved timely:

Justise Winslow joined the Clippers after a promising stint with Miami but averaged only 4.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in 37 games. Traded to Portland in a deal centered on Norman Powell, Winslow played sparingly for the Trail Blazers before moving overseas, validating the Clippers' decision to move on.

Reggie Jackson seized opportunities during Kawhi Leonard’s 2021-22 absence, delivering clutch performances. However, deemed misutilized, he was traded to Charlotte for Mason Plumlee. Jackson subsequently struggled, bouncing between teams and being waived by Washington in February 2025.

Montrezl Harrell, a former Sixth Man of the Year with the Clippers, was not re-signed after his defensive limitations against Nikola Jokić contributed to a 2020 playoff collapse. He signed with the Lakers but was later traded to Washington. Despite persistent effort, Harrell failed to secure an NBA roster spot after being waived by Philadelphia in 2023, confirming the Clippers' timing was optimal.