Clippers: Is it time to trade for Russell Westbrook?

Exploring ways the Los Angeles Clippers could trade for Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook, who is reportedly available after Kevin Durant’s departure.

Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard signed with their hometown teams this offseason via free agency, could Russell Westbrook do the same via trade and join the Los Angeles Clippers?

Rumors surfaced this week that Thunder point guard and MVP candidate could be on the trade block. Insert the Clippers as a potential fit, because of the franchise’s proximity to Westbrook’s hometown and their roster.

Further, Westbrook’s killer scoring mentality would enter a whole new dynamic into the Clippers lineup. His playoff experience could help the Clippers get over the hump. Westbrook’s up-tempo style also meshes well with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan — assuming the Clippers could get him without losing either of their bigs. Either way, the Clippers should not hesitate to try adding a top-five player like Westbrook.

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Of course, Westbrook becomes a free agent after this season. Therefore, the Clippers could become suitors after the 2016-17 season. Both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul could become free agents as well, so Los Angeles would have the cap room to sign Westbrook. However, Los Angeles would be smart to lock Westbrook in before he hits the open market.

This Clippers regime proved they were a serious contender by being in the conversation for Kevin Durant this offseason. Now is the time to be aggressive at grabbing another available Thunder player, who could get the Clippers over the hump. Otherwise, Westbrook might hurt the Clippers on another Western Conference contender.

How could the Clippers trade for Westbrook?

This is the fun part. Trade talks would probably start with an All-Star point guard swap of Chris Paul for Westbrook.

A comparison of the two players’ career averages shows that Westbrook averages almost three points and one rebound more per game than Paul. Meanwhile, Paul averages half a steal and two assists more as well as a higher a shooting percentage.

Chris Paul & Brice Johnson for Russell Westbrook & Nick Collison

This swap would be ideal for Los Angeles, but it could not happen until August due to Johnson’s recent contract. Thunder fans may get upset losing their longest active players. However, this deal makes the most sense as it is a position swap. Each team gets a point guard and forward. Oklahoma City would have to believe they could retain Paul, and they would have to like Johnson a lot for this deal to happen.

Chris Paul & JJ Reddick for Russell Westbrook & Ersan Ilyasova

JJ Reddick is off of one of the seasons of his career. Plus, Reddick is a steal due to his expiring salary that is in the $7 million range. Hence, the Clippers could use him as a nice trade piece to get Westbrook. The inclusion of Ilyasova gives Los Angeles a stretch four and helps the salaries work. It is doubtful Ilyasova is a deal-breaker for the Thunder because of their stacked front court. Again, this trade could not happen until August due to Ilyasova already getting traded this offseason.

Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan & C.J. Wilcox for Russell Westbrook, Enes Kantar & Anthony Morrow

A trade might turn into a real blockbuster deal if the two teams also agree to a swap of big men in the trade, along with Paul and Westbrook. This is probably the best deal for Oklahoma City considering they get an All-NBA center along with Paul. Then again, I do not know how Steven Adams would play with another true center like Jordan. Plus, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers might also get heated over Kantar’s defense after this hypothetical. Otherwise, the Morrow for Wilcox swap is nothing more than fillers.

Besides Paul, the Clippers could also center a Westbrook trade around Blake Griffin. Griffin has been connected to the Thunder due to his hometown roots. Therefore, the Thunder may think they can actually re-sign him in free agency next year.

Blake Griffin for Russell Westbrook

Both 27-year-olds could become free agents after this year, and this trade works straight up. As a matter of fit, it does not make a lot of sense. The Clippers could play Westbrook as a shooting guard beside Paul. Maybe, Westbrook’s assassin mentality thrives alongside Paul’s pass-first mentality and competitive attitude. However, how does Griffin fit in an already loaded Thunder front court?

Blake Griffin & Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook & Enes Kantar

Personally, I hate the idea of swapping our top two players for their top two players. It is pretty much a lateral move for both teams, except the Clippers get younger. In the end, a big-three of Kantar, Westbrook and Jordan is nice but not better than Los Angeles’ current big three. Not to mention, the Thunder get older and may lose Griffin and Paul both anyways.

Ultimately, there are tons of potential trades between the two teams. Regardless, the Clippers are the darkhorse to add Westbrook. It is unlikely that a trade actually happens between the Thunder and Clippers because both teams may roll the dice on retaining their players via free agency.

Nonetheless, a trade makes sense for both teams because it helps them obtain the Bird Rights for players they may end up signing in free agency. Not to mention, the Clippers have the star power to entice the Thunder and the hometown to attract Westbrook.

Next: Rockets sign Pablo Prigioni

At the end of the day, the Clippers should make a hard push for a top-five talent like Westbrook. Even if that means losing two of their All-Star players, the Clippers should at least try to explore trade talks for the available Westbrook.

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