A clip being a reference window into the underlying audio file (in all DAWs) is an important tidbit to know. Unless bounced (somehow), the DAW isn't going to "destructively edit" it by creating a new file. In this instance, the original is not actually destroyed but replaced by the contents of what was bounced, which leads to the issue of "per project audio file bloat" for folks who bounce often. As mentioned above, save as on the project to a new folder and clicking both checkboxes will make the created folder about as small as it is going to get without zipping it (also featured in bun files).
Unfortunately one needs to "think in computer terms" with their workflow sometimes to get the most efficiency from the box, but learning is always a great thing. "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" - always keep learning
