How This Trade Impacts LA Clippers
The LA Clippers are in a tough spot for the 2021-22 season. Without a concrete timetable for Kawhi Leonard to return, they are going to be without their best player for a large chunk, if not all of, the season.
Despite that, the team should still be looking for ways to improve. One way is by upgrading in the middle and acquiring Christian Wood and DJ Augustin from the Houston Rockets.
The Clippers have two veterean point guards already with Eric Bledsoe and Reggie Jackson. However, adding another talent with a different skill-set like Augustin wouldn’t hurt. Especially since Bledsoe has a large portion of salary non-guaranteed for 2022-23 and acquiring Augustin would present a short-term stopgap at point guard if Los Angeles were to move on from Bledsoe.
As for Wood, he would slide right into the starting center spot, pushing Serge Ibaka to the second unit. That could help preserve Ibaka, who is recovering from a back operation. Playing fewer minutes off the bench will keep him fresher.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Rockets Expected To Entertain Christian Wood Trade Offers
Wood came into his own in his first season with the Rockets and would provide the LA Clippers with a go-to scorer in the frontcourt. He is a capable floor spacer, knocking down 37.4 percent of his 3-point attempts last season. It is part of that unicorn combination for a big man, as he can shoot threes and protect the rim defensively.
Los Angeles would have the makings of a legitimate Big 3 with George, Leonard and Wood, three two-way players that can be difference makers on both ends of the court. They lose some depth in this deal, but the Clippers are always going to be a possible destination for veterans who are bought out during the season and can replenish their depth that way.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Rockets Expected To Entertain Christian Wood Trade Offers
The LA Clippers love their hypothetical acquisition of Christian Wood and House in this scenario. Do the Houston Rockets like their end of the deal? Let’s take a look at it from their perspective.
