It is an open secret that the Los Angeles Clippers are looking to upgrade their roster for the upcoming postseason run. They have been shopping Lou Williams and some in the front office would be open to moving on from Patrick Beverley as well. Now, Charlotte Hornets point guard Terry Rozier has been named a potential trade target.
While front-court help has seemingly been what LA would target, an upgrade at point guard isn’t out of the question either. The team has been mentioned as one of the landing spots for Kyle Lowry and Kemba Walker would make for an intriguing target as well. One scout believes the Clippers should be looking more southeast with the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets selected their point guard of the future in LaMelo Ball in the 2020 NBA Draft. Thus far, he has not disappointed with dazzling assists and much better shooting numbers than people had anticipated. His success makes some of their other guards, such as Terry Rozier and Devonte Graham, more open to being traded away.
According to one NBA scout, Rozier would be the perfect target for the Clippers.
“The Clippers need a point guard and Terry Rozier would be the perfect fit. He’s an explosive driver who can create shots, plays good on-ball defense. He would take pressure off of Kawhi and Paul on both ends of the court.”
The scout is accurate in his assessment. Rozier is everything the Clippers are looking for in a point guard if they move on from Williams and Beverley. They wouldn’t lose much defensively swapping Rozier for Beverley, but their offense would improve.
So far this season with the Hornets, Rozier has averaged 20.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He has shot 49 percent from the floor and 43.9 percent from the three-point line. Those numbers would look great for the Clippers.
Rozier also has experience being a complementary player from his days with the Boston Celtics. He has developed as one of the go-to guys for the Hornets, which would make him an even stronger acquisition for LA. He could be relied on as the go-to offensive production whenever Kawhi Leonard or Paul George need a rest.
In the midst of the playoff hunt themselves, the Hornets would have to be blown away by an offer to part ways with Rozier. He is their second-leading scorer and arguably best perimeter defender. The Clippers would have to bring a lot more to the table than veterans such as Williams and Beverley for the Hornets to truly engage in trade discussions for Rozier.
