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Los Angeles Clippers reportedly may trade up for Michael Porter Jr.

By Ryan Snellings

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Michael Porter speaks with reporters during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Michael Porter speaks with reporters during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Clippers may use their two picks in the 2018 NBA Draft to trade up for Michael Porter Jr.

Here’s a new trade rumor for your Los Angeles Clippers. According to several league executives via Kevin O’Connor, the team is open to moving up in the 2018 NBA Draft using their two current lottery picks. As of now, the Clippers own both their own pick and the Detroit Pistons’ pick, which will be at 12 and 13. The team could easily move both picks or one and a player in order to move up in the draft. Their target? Michael Porter Jr.

However, this could change should the Clips see someone they like. According to O’Connor:

"The Clippers are open to moving up in the draft, according to multiple league executives. They’re armed with picks nos. 12 and 13, and have the assets to get creative."

Michael Porter Jr. is the reported target for the franchise. O’Connor continues:

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"A front office exec said that Michael Porter Jr. is a possible target for the Clippers, who could slide the forward into their modernized system as a go-to scorer. Funnily enough, later that day, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer paused his own interview session with reporters to stand and listen behind a media scrum around Porter."

Porter was at the beginning of the season projected to be a top pick in the draft. The 6’10” forward ended up needing back surgery, which caused his stock to fall. The 19 year old was only able to appear in three games for Missouri before declaring for the draft.

Porter has the skills and size to be an elite NBA player, so if the team’s doctors think his back won’t be an issue, he seems worth moving up for.

Trading up in the draft would be a big move and would likely eliminate the Clippers from making other big trades, such as for Kawhi Leonard. Still, getting Porter could help them next year in a talent heavy free agent class, should Porter show promise.

If they do end up moving both picks for Porter or another player, the team could still add youth in the second round by buying a pick.

As the draft inches closer and closer, we’ll keep you updated on any rumblings regarding prospects or potential trades.