After one of the most successful seasons in franchise history, the Los Angeles Clippers has finally turned the corner and become a legitimate NBA title contender in the Western Conference. With superstars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin leading the way, the Clippers have a bright future ahead with a chance to compete with the heavyweights within the Pacific division for years to come.

The one problem the Clippers face moving forward is the immediate future of Griffin and Paul in Los Angeles. With both players facing potential contract extensions, the Clippers’ front office will have to do everything within their power to re-sign both players long-term in order to keep the core of the team intact.

The first step for the Clippers is to sign Griffin to a five-year contract extension. With Griffin eligible for this long-term deal as of July 11, Los Angeles will be working solely on getting this deal done in order to attract free agents to join the team before next season.

If the Clippers are able to lock up Griffin to a five-year extension, the next step will be doing the same for Paul or at least convincing the perennial All-Star point guard to do the same. Paul and Griffin have both already indicated that the Clippers are in their long-term plans with neither superstar looking to go elsewhere via trade or free agency.

Before July 11, the Clippers will be trying to lure in former player Lamar Odom via trade. The Dallas Mavericks are currently adamant about trading Odom before they’re forced to buy him out for $2.4 million on June 29.

There’s a great chance that the Clippers will be able to bring in Odom to help bolster the bench and give the team another offensive weapon outside of Paul and Griffin.

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