The LA Clippers came into the season with what was arguably the best roster in the NBA. They were multiple players deep at every position, and were expected to be among the best teams, but that has yet to come to fruition.
A big reason for that has been player availability. Tyronn Lue is using different lineup combinations virtually every night with players being in and out of the lineup, unable to stay on the court. 50 games into the regular season and the Clippers have had 10 different players start at least six games thus far this season.
Despite that, the Clippers are still 26-24 on the season, just outside the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference. Getting healthy should be their No. 1 goal for the remainder of the season, but the front office should also keep their eyes open for available upgrades.
The depth behind Ivica Zubac is lacking as the team has relied on two-way contract player Moses Brown for minutes behind him. The team never replaced Isaiah Hartenstein, who signed as a free agent with the New York Knicks.
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In addition to their depth at center, the Clippers could use an upgrade at the point guard position. Reggie Jackson, John Wall, and Terance Mann have struggled to get the job done, and Los Angeles has their sights set on some upgrades, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer.
But other teams will pursue Conley too, meaning that the Jazz will likely hold out for the best possible offer until closer to the deadline. So L.A. must scour the rest of the league. League sources say the Clippers are also interested in Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet.
Mike Conley thought that he was going to be on his way to Los Angeles before the season, but nothing materialized. That could change in the next two weeks as the Utah Jazz would be better off moving the remainder of their veterans and falling out of the playoff race instead of being a quick first-round exit.
Conley is likely the best fit for what the Clippers need as he is still a steady playmaker and a great spot-up 3-point shooter. While his defensive impact has lessened in recent seasons, he can still get the job done on that end of the court.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LA Clippers, Fred VanVleet, Mike Conley & Kyle Lowry Updates
Acquiring him would likely come much cheaper than Fred VanVleet or Kyle Lowry would as the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat have playoff aspirations this season. Parting with their floor generals would be a costly transaction for the Clippers to pull off.
