The Clippers are exploring the trade market in search of “dependable size” and possible depth on the wing, league sources tell Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter links). According to Stein, the Clippers have some concern about how they match up with the Lakers up front, as well as Kawhi Leonard‘s and Paul George‘s nagging health issues.
As we observed earlier this month, the Clippers are in a good position to pursue a roster upgrade at this year’s deadline. Their 2020 first-round pick is available to include in a deal, Maurice Harkless‘ expiring contract is a good salary-matching piece, and their young prospects like Jerome Robinson, Terance Mann, and Mfiondu Kabengele could appeal to trade partners.
On top of that, while there’s no indication that the Clippers are looking to trade either Montrezl Harrell or Ivica Zubac, both centers would have plenty of trade value if the team makes them available in search of an upgrade. Harrell is earning just $6MM and will be a restricted free agent, while Zubac is locked up at a reasonable rate (about $7MM per year) through 2022/23.
The Clippers have been linked this winter to Marcus Morris and Thaddeus Young, among other potential trade targets.
Meanwhile, Stein adds (via Twitter) that the Mavericks are in a similar boat to the Clippers, scouring the market for possible help on the wing and/or in the frontcourt, especially in the wake of Dwight Powell‘s season-ending Achilles injury.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer suggested earlier today that the Mavs have expressed interest in Danilo Gallinari and Robert Covington. Dallas reportedly checked in on free agent big man Joakim Noah as well.
As the Clippers, Mavs, and other teams explore the idea of trading for a big, Stein also cites league sources who say the Suns aren’t shopping Aron Baynes but haven’t ruled out moving him at the deadline if the price is right (Twitter link). With a $5.45MM expiring contract, Baynes might be a more realistic target for a contender than a big-money player like Andre Drummond or Steven Adams.
The Knicks can help the Clips on both fronts. But I wouldn’t allow Mills/Perry to be in the same room as Jerry West.
West would get Bernard King as a throw-in from Mills/Perry
They aren’t planning on selling but the Raptors do line up well with Gasol/Ibaka.
I wonder if they could make a win/win trade work. Harrell is the obvious pick, but Zubac is definitely an undervalued asset.
You don’t really have to be a “seller” to trade away players. Trading away Ibaka or Gasol and a 2nd for Harrell, Harkless, and Robinson could potentially make both teams better.
Baynes for Jerome Robinson.
Suns get a second year lottery pick guard as back up for Devin Booker.
Clippers get a centre that can shoot 3’s, defend well and play bigger minutes if needed.
Then swap Harkless and Mann for Thad Young.
Bulls get back an expiring deal to clear money off the books cause they regret getting in Thad Young but they also get a decent young player in Mann. Clippers get Young who can start at PF, can defend well, can space the floor and would make them a stronger contender.
1. Beverly. Shamet
2. George. Williams
3. Leonard. McGruder
4. Young. Harrell. Green
5. Zubac. Baynes
That’s a team full of good defenders, shooters and with good impact. Maybe you want to sign a bet min FA guard like Jamal Crawford or Darren Collison for when Leonard and George are resting