Nicolas Batum – Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers broke through and made the Western Conference Finals last season, but it is hard to imagine that they will be able to do so again this year. Without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard on the floor, the Clippers are nothing more than a low-end playoff team, which is why they could look to “sell” for future value at the trade deadline.
Memphis Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman has done a fantastic job of building this young team through the years and in doing so, the Grizzlies have acquired several additional draft picks through the years.
Should Los Angeles look to “sell” at the trade deadline, they will be looking for draft picks and young players, both of which the Grizzlies have to offer up.
Nicolas Batum has been a key part of the Clippers’ success since last season and while they do not want to necessarily trade him away, he could wind up being one of the veterans the Clippers look to leverage for future value.
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At 33-years-old and in his 14th NBA season, Nicolas Batum is nothing more than a role player on the perimeter. However, the 6’8” forward has averaged 8.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and has shot 40.9% from three-point range since joining Los Angeles last season.
This is exactly the kind of veteran the Grizzlies could utilize on the wing and Nicolas Batum has proven that he can still be an effective, high-level role player.
Jarrett Culver and either one first-round pick or two second-round picks could very well be enough future value for the Clippers to give up Nicolas Batum at the trade deadline.
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A lot of Los Angeles’ potential moves though depends on the status of Paul George for the rest of the season. Should George be able to come back and play, the Clippers are not going to look to get rid of players, but if he is indeed out for the season/foreseeable future, then adding future value makes the most sense for them since they would not be in a position to win this season.
Nonetheless, Nicolas Batum would be a great trade target for the Memphis Grizzlies at the trade deadline this season due to his rebounding and three-point shooting tendencies.
