The Los Angeles Clippers are disappointed. How could they not be? This team was supposed to be a powerhouse. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George made for one of the most talented duos in the NBA. The Clippers had depth. They were supposed to contend.
They were not supposed to get eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Yet, here we are. The Clippers are officially out of the running for the NBA championship.
Who knows what will happen this summer? The Clippers could make some radical decisions. On the other hand, they could simply make some trades to try to improve the team. Here are three that we think could help fix this team.
Clippers Land Mike Conley
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F/C Robert Covington, 2029 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Mike Conley
The Clippers need a point guard. Don’t they? It’s hard to say. Russell Westbrook was perhaps the only bright side in their first-round series vs the Phoenix Suns. At the same time, Westbrook is notoriously unreliable.
Let’s say you’re buying stock in him. Fair enough. Westbrook is still aging. Even if the Clippers have a point guard, they could use another one,.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Meanwhile, they’ve got too many 3-and-D wings to spare. Covington fell out of this rotation, but he’ll find a role in Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Wolves get a little draft capital back after trading four first-round picks for Rudy Gobert. After all, they were eliminated in the first round, too.
Clippers Land Tyus Jones
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Nic Batum, 2029 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Tyus Jones
Are you sensing a theme here? Once again, we’ve got the Clippers receiving a point guard. This time, it’s a considerably younger one. For that reason, they’ve got to loosen the protections on that first-round pick.
If they’re landing Jones, it’s worth it. In some respects, he’s the antithesis of Westbrook. Jones won’t rack up massive counting stats or carry his team, but he’s among the most reliable floor generals in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tyus Jones, Memphis Grizzlies & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Grizzlies may not be able to afford him for long. Jones will be a free agent next summer. In all likelihood, he’ll command a price that Memphis may not want to pay him to back up Ja Morant. The Clippers, on the other hand, would be happy to start him next season.
DeMar DeRozan Comes Home
Chicago Bulls Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F/C Robert Covington, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan
Here, we’re breaking the mold. Technically. DeMar DeRozan is not a point guard. On the other hand, he may be the most dynamic playmaker we’ve got the Clippers acquiring here. Why couldn’t he run point?
After al, it’s a positionless league. Putting DeRozan at the point would give the Clippers positional size at every spot on the floor. If they want to get experimental, this could be highly effective.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls should be ready to move on. This team had a very disappointing season, so flipping DeRozan for some draft capital would be sensible. They may not have had Clippers-sized expectations, but they still failed to meet their goals.
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