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Why the LA Clippers should not trade this season

By Jasmine Robinson

Nov 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) walk back to the bench for a time out in the second half of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Grizzlies won 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) walk back to the bench for a time out in the second half of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Grizzlies won 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during a break in action against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during a break in action against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

At what cost?

A trade will make much more sense if one was thinking ahead to actual production in the playoffs. But even still, would a trade even be worth it in the end? The first suitor that comes to mind is Melo. Fans of his think he’s trapped on the Knicks, and that joining the LA Clippers could be an opportunity for him to finally win a ring. Casual NBA fans think Carmelo would be a good fit (because apparently, Luc Mbah a Moute hasn’t filled the hole in the small forward position whatsoever) for the roster. Clippers fans want Carmelo for his scoring abilities. But with any trade proposal the question becomes: at what cost?

Firstly, trading away any of the core four players (CP3, Blake, Redick, and DeAndre Jordan) is not a good idea. Each of these four players play such an important role on the team on and off the court and cannot be replaced. Not to mention how difficult it would be to get a fair return in a trade when Paul, Griffin and Redick are all on expiring contracts, instantly diminishing what could be landed in return.

Seeing as the Clippers are more than half way through their season, making a major trade would hurt them more than help them. Without at least an entire season to modify the system this team has developed over the past several years, giving a new teammate such an important role could prove to be faulty, especially this year.

Secondly, trading away any of the  role players including Austin Rivers or Raymond Felton would not be worth it in most cases. All of the role players on the Clippers know their jobs and are capable of doing them well, as shown in Monday’s game against OKC. Plus, trades are usually done without the particular player’s consent. Bringing a player to this team could cause them to play with a bad attitude, in addition to the uncertainty of the production they’ll bring.

We’ve seen what this team is capable of doing when playing at full health and energy, so why compromise that? You know what they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Lastly, bringing in players such as Melo mainly for offense is unnecessary. When everyone is healthy, the offensive end is not where this team needs extra help. Even without Blake, the Clippers’ offense can be a force to be reckoned with.

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