The Los Angeles Clippers have their eye on the NBA Championship as the second half of the season is underway. Although the team finished with a 24-14 record before the all-star break, Ty Lue and his team understand that they can play at a higher level. The Clippers always have high expectations as they’re led by their two stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. As they have the Lakers and Jazz surrounding them as the best in the West, the Clippers have a lot of work ahead of them going into the playoffs.
The Clippers have something to prove for various reasons. It’s already bad enough that they share an arena with one of the greatest franchises in NBA history. Also, last season, when the franchise had its best chance of winning a championship, the team choked a 3-1 series lead to the Denver Nuggets. Coach Lue’s team continues to keep all of the failures in the back of their head. And so far, they continue to show teams that they are one of the top favorites to capture a championship.
There are many scenarios that the Clippers can make to make the team stronger come playoff time. As great of an executive Jerry West is, he understands that the ceiling is high for his team. There are many perennial all-stars and most improved players that need a change of scenery. The Clippers’ championship mentality would welcome a new player with open arms. Let’s dive into two potential trades for the Clippers before the trade deadline.
Trading for a point guard/floor general
The Clippers need someone who can initiate the offense with their unselfishness and high IQ. At times, both Leonard and George have had to become floor generals to get a flow for the offense. The lack of having a point guard who can run the floor may hurt the Clippers going forward. It is always important to have a player-coach to make sure the team is executing on offense.
The two-point guards currently are Patrick Beverley and Reggie Jackson. While they both bring some contributions to the Clippers roster’, their lack of playmaking and orchestration allows them to become a liability from that perspective. There may be a chance that one of these two could be traded as the team looks for its future point guard.
Point guards like Lonzo Ball, Kyle Lowry, and others are on the trade market. The best aspect of these two is that they can bring effectiveness on both sides of the floor. Their ability to play solid perimeter defense is another factor that helps the Clippers elevate their team. As both Ball and Lowry continue to be on the market, it will be interesting to see what the Clippers have to offer.
Trading for another center next to Zubac
This was one of the Clippers’ biggest issues last season. The team needs size on the frontcourt if they’re going to win a championship. Watching Nikola Jokic dominate inside in the playoffs last year showed that there aren’t more enforcers protecting the rim. While Ivica Zubac has been phenomenal for the Clippers, a backup center would help whenever he sits out of the game.
The Clippers are ranked number 13 in total rebounds while also giving up 12 points per game on second-chance points. While the numbers aren’t disruptive, the team knows they can protect the paint at a better level with a true backup center. The team has expected Serge Ibaka to always do the dirty work when needed. Except, in reality, the team needs size and strength to help as a team.
A player like Marvin Bagley III has had his name surrounded by trade rumors. He is a young, flying athlete who can provide toughness under the rim. The downfall of a Bagley trade would be due to his health. As Bagley has suffered through injuries in the NBA, will he stay healthy and play consistently for the Clippers? As his time in Sacramento has been gloomy, a trade to the Clippers could help rejuvenate Bagley’s career.
