LA Clippers Receive: C Christian Wood, F Danuel House
Houston Rockets Receive: SG Keon Johnson, C Ivica Zubac, G/F Luke Kennard, 2022 Second-Round Pick, 2023 Second-Round Pick, 2024 Second-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick
The LA Clippers and Houston Rockets are heading in two different directions. The Rockets selected multiple teenagers in this year’s NBA Draft and are embarking on a new rebuild. Los Angeles wants to remain in the upper echelon of the Western Conference, but likely fall short of being legitimate contenders without Kawhi Leonard in the fold.
But, even without Leonard, the Clippers can still make some noise. They defeated the Utah Jazz in two straight games to win their second-round series and pushed the Phoenix Suns to six games in the Western Conference Finals. Adding Christian Wood would enable them to continue being that scrappy team until Leonard returns.
Wood would step right into the starting lineup as an upgrade in the middle. He was produced on both ends of the court, averaging 21 points with 9.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 blocks in 32.3 minutes per game.
Joining Wood on the way to Los Angeles is Danuel House Jr. House can help soak up minutes on the wing in Leonard’s absence as a 3-and-D player.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Latest Intel Surrounding Ben Simmons Amid NBA Trade Rumors
Heading to Houston is a sizeable package. Without first-round picks to offer, the Clippers send second-round picks to the Rockets for the next four years. Those could be valuable as trade sweeteners or for Houston to take shots on some more young players as they rebuild.
Ivica Zubac, Luke Kennard and Keon Johnson are all young pieces Houston can add to their core. Zubac is a capable center that can help rookie Aleren Sengun learn the ropes in the NBA.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Latest Intel Surrounding Ben Simmons Amid NBA Trade Rumors
Kennard is an excellent 3-point shooter that can play on the wing. Johnson was the No. 21 overall pick in the draft and is lauded for his defensive ability but has a raw offensive game.
Are both teams happy with this hypothetical trade? Let’s take an in-depth look at it, starting with the LA Clippers.
