3. LA Clippers
The LA Clippers already have arguably the best roster in the NBA. They have two stars in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George that will be back in the lineup this upcoming season after dealing with injuries last season.
Leonard missed the entire campaign recovering from an ACL injury suffered in the second round of the 2022 NBA postseason and George played in only 31 games.
Around them is an impressive group of complementary players that can fill numerous roles. Norman Powell and Robert Covington were acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers last season. John Wall was signed as a free agent this offseason after agreeing to a buyout with the Houston Rockets.
Marcus Morris Sr., Ivica Zubac, Reggie Jackson, Nicolas Batum, Luke Kennard, Terence Mann, Brandon Boston Jr. and Amir Coffey round out the roster. That is a deep, talented roster that can compete with any in the NBA.
So, why would the Clippers go after Mike Conley Jr.? That is because he is a great fit for what is already in place. Without Leonard and George, the scoring punch that Jackson provided was needed. With those two healthy and the addition of Powell, his best asset is no longer a need.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mike Conley, LA Clippers & Utah Jazz Updates
Conley would be an upgrade on both ends of the court in terms of what the LA Clippers could use more of. He is a superior defender even at this age, registering a defensive rating of 104.9 last season compared to 109.4 for Jackson.
The offensive ratings for both teams also had a big gap with Conley coming in at 112.5 and Jackson at 108.2. That comes out to a NetRating of 7.7 for Conley and -1.3 for Jackson.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mike Conley, LA Clippers & Utah Jazz Updates
Surrendering their remaining tradable draft picks and salary to match Conley is a worthwhile move to explore. He could be the last, missing piece to help get the LA Clippers over the hump for what they are hoping is a deep playoff run.
