Realistic mid-season trades for the Clippers
By Toby James
Potential trades
Without further ado, let’s get into potential Clipper trades at mid-season. Temper expectations, as the Clippers are pretty limited in terms of flexibility. Williams is the Clippers’ most likely candidate to be traded because he is the most likely to provide something meaningful to another team. Wesley Johnson is another story altogether. It is highly likely that the Clippers will have to eat his salary for the next two years. For that reason, trades suggested below center around Lou Williams.
LA Clippers trade: Lou Williams, 2019 second round pick
Utah Jazz trade: Jonas Jerebko, Joel Bolomboy
Utah definitely need a bit of scoring, as they figure to struggle on that side of the ball with the loss of Gordon Hayward. The Clippers could do with a little depth in the big man rotation, particularly if Griffin needs some time off. Adding a young asset in Joel Bolomboy can’t hurt, as he is on an inexpensive deal. The Jazz would likely be reluctant to make this trade as Jerebko was only signed this summer, so it may be necessary to throw in a second round pick.
LA Clippers trade: Lou Williams
Oklahoma City Thunder trade: Jerami Grant, Kyle Singler
The Clippers add some necessary depth on the wing and OKC get some more scoring punch as they look to make a deep playoff run. The Thunder, however, might not want to sacrifice quite as much of their own depth at the 3.
LA Clippers trade: Lou Williams OR Lou Williams, Wesley Johnson and 2019 second round pick
Portland Trailblazers trade: Al-Farouq Aminu OR Al-Farouq Aminu and Ed Davis
A reunion with the Chief! A handy second-unit wing on a reasonable contract. For that reason, it may cost a pick, as Lou is on an expiring deal, but the Blazers might be happy to bring in some more scoring explosion as they push for the playoffs. Adding big man Ed Davis would be welcome in the big man rotation. He may cost more than Wesley Johnson, but he is expiring. And hey, getting rid of Wesley wouldn’t be too bad.
LA Clippers trade: Lou Williams
Cleveland Cavaliers trade: Channing Frye, 2020 second round pick (via Miami)
Not much to analyze here. Clippers eat Frye’s salary for a year and gain a draft asset rather than letting Lou potentially go for nothing.
It is important to note that Lou Williams could become vital for Clipper playoff chances, and could potentially be a great veteran long term. Whatever happens this season, the Clippers are in more reasonable shape than we may have expected after the Chris Paul trade. There are always avenues to improve the team, however. Let us know if you have any suggestions that you’ve pushed through the trade machine.