Any day now, the Los Angeles Clippers may acquire James Harden. This is the biggest unresolved story in the NBA. Harden has requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, and he wants to go to the Clippers. This is only a matter of time – isn’t it?
We wouldn’t go that far. There are reasons why any team would be apprehensive about trading for Harden. He’s a free agent next summer. Harden has made a habit of requesting trades. Some have suggested that he’s more concerned with playing his own brand of basketball than he is with winning. We will see how this situation unfolds.
Let’s suppose that the Clippers don’t acquire Harden. They could still stand to upgrade their guard rotation. If they don’t want the bearded superstar, they should look to other guards around the NBA. How about Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Robert Covington, G/F Terrance Mann
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Terry Rozier
Harden has made a habit of requesting trades. He’s not the only player in the NBA with that habit. For a long time, we typically only saw star players request trades. In today’s NBA, even role players can force their way out. Just ask the Hornets.
After all, Kai Jones just requested a trade. This feels surreal. Jones hasn’t played 20 minutes per game at the NBA level yet. He’s got potential, but he hasn’t proven enough to have leverage in negotiations. What’s going on here?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Well, Jones may be getting ahead of the curve. You can’t fire someone if they quit. It seems like the relationship between Jones and the Hornets are falling apart. That’s been a theme with this organization: the Hornets could use a culture change. Does this deal help in that regard?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
It might. Covington is a veteran that’s been around the league for quite some time. Still, that isn’t the point here. The Hornets are doing this deal for roster balance. They’d be deciding that Rozier isn’t an ideal fit alongside LaMelo Ball.
Could we blame them? The Hornets passed on Scoot Henderson in this year’s draft to select Brandon Miller. He’s a better compliment to Ball. Meanwhile, Rozier is ball-dominant in his own right. This deal has the Hornets bringing in two off-ball threats. That should justify the move for them on its own.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Yet, getting off of Rozier’s contract helps as well. As talented as he is, he’s on a long-term deal that could be difficult for the Hornets to plan around. Should the Clippers really absorb that deal?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Sure. The Clippers need to put the best together that they can. This team has a title window. They’re stacked with quality wings, and they have a solid big man in Ivica Zubac. With that said, they could use an upgrade to their guard rotation.
Sure, Russell Westbrook is there. He’s still a solid player. At the same time, he may not be the answer as the lone point guard on this roster. Westbrook’s inability to shoot has made him a problematic player for teams in the past. The Clippers may want to pair him with another starting-caliber guard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Why not Rozier? Sure, he’s ball-dominant and has a score-first mindset. He’s also a talented shot-creator who would make this team better. The Clippers should be interested in him – unless they land James Harden, that is.
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