How This Deal Impacts LA Clippers
If there is one thing that the LA Clippers lacked at times this season it was a backup point guard. Reggie Jackson was the only facilitator in the rotation for stretches of the season and that is something that needs to be addressed this offseason.
Acquiring Mike Conley Jr. would be an excellent target. He would fit into the lineup easily as he can alongside everyone. He is the kind of facilitator that Los Angeles needs so that Paul George and Kawhi Leonard can focus on scoring the basketball. Conley can be a go-to scorer when needed as well and is a great 3-point shooter.
Defensively, Conley can still get the job done at the point of attack. The Clippers were a great defensive team and should be even better with Leonard back in the lineup next season. They will get after teams on that end of the court.
But, to acquire Conley, they are surrendering some key pieces of their rotation. Brandon Boston Jr. showed that he was ready to take on a larger role should the need arise. Terance Mann is a key wing player, but they have the depth to overcome his departure if they can remain healthy.
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Marcus Morris’ departure could hurt, but if the Clippers can re-sign Robert Covington, he can slide right into that role. Nicolas Batum and Amir Coffey returning would also help offset the loss of Mann and Morris.
The first-round pick swap is something that the Clippers should try and amend. Sending out second-round picks would be easier to stomach as no one knows what the team will look like that far down the road. It could be a disastrous swap given the potential timelines each team embarks on this offseason.
