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Los Angeles Clippers stand pat at trade deadline

By Leonard Saldana

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5: Chip West and Steve Ballmer talks prior to the game between the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5: Chip West and Steve Ballmer talks prior to the game between the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Clippers decided to stand pat at the trade deadline, despite all the rumors that they would be making moves.

The Los Angeles Clippers started off trade season with a bang with their blockbuster trade of Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons. The Clippers were in conversation with many teams before the deadline, but decided against making any further moves. LA will remain competitive for the rest of the season. But, it will be interesting to see how the offseason plays out.

Contrary to rumors, deals did not materialize for their All Star Center DeAndre Jordan or their All-Defense guard Avery Bradley.

The Clippers had conversations surrounding DeAndre Jordan with the Cleveland Cavaliers and it seemed to break down once Cleveland began making other trades. This is likely for the best because the Clippers did not seem to be thrilled at taking back a bad contract after they just unloaded one.

Jordan can opt out of his current contract, which would end that deal and he would be free to test free agency. The Clippers were looking to at least bring assets back instead of losing him for possibly nothing in the off-season. Jordan can dictate his contract and it’s possible the Clippers still can find a solution which extends their All-Star center If not, they are fine to let him walk.

Avery Bradley, who will be an unrestricted free agent going into the off-season, can re-sign with the Clippers if favorable terms can come to fruition. Do not sleep on Bradley. He is a really good defender and has added shooting to his game to become a more rounded player.

Domino Effect

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What’s great is while the Clippers started the trade season with their blockbuster trade, they also helped set the market for role players like Lou Williams. Memphis deciding against dealing Tyreke Evans could use the Mid Level Exception and build his value for a later time. It helps set a value this offseason for role players and that Williams deal helped set off the trade deadline we saw yesterday.

The Williams deal sets a precedent for other players deals. The larger deals for role players is likely gone. Like the stock market and having corrections, the NBA is in one and the Williams deal is clear of that.

Looking toward the off-season

The LA Clippers created space for themselves moving their power forward. They also have a couple of picks in the 1st round of the draft. Getting a 1st round pick in the draft is like gold and it should not be overshadowed. The Clippers made great chess decisions when we thought the game was checkers.

The assets brought back will only become more clear when a Jerry West led front office is in the draft. They made great picks in the second round last year and its exciting to see what they can do with two first round picks. Tobias Harris is still under contract and Avery Bradley can resign possibly a smaller than expected deal to attract free agents.

The Clippers turned heads with their trade but it looks like West is a hell of a checkers player. He will only make a decision if he believes it will help and their front office might have a knack for drafting players which will be huge in building a sound contender for years to come.

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