Opinion: The Clippers should not include Lou Williams in any draft trades

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 30: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 30, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 30: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 30, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With the NBA Draft next week, I’m under the belief that the Los Angeles Clippers shouldn’t include Lou Williams in any draft day trades.

Addressing the Rumors

Recent rumors have the Los Angeles Clippers seeking a possible trade-up in the draft for a better shot at Luka Doncic, star of Real Madrid in the Euroleague. When asked in a recent interview about the options to move up or down in the draft, President of Basketball Operations Frank Lawrence says anything is on the table. I hope the front office does not have Lou Williams on that table.

Suppose the Clippers are truly considering moving up in the draft for a shot at Donic or any other player. I speculate it will cost the Clippers one of their two first round picks at least and a current player as well, or one of their best players.

Related Story: Analyzing the trade value of Lou Williams

Laying Out the Options

Rather than using Lou Williams, DeAndre Jordan is a much better candidate to try and flip. The Clippers may be wise to move on from the last remaining player of Lob City.

Second, and more importantly, Lou Williams deserves to stay on this team, in my opinion. He proved his worth to the Clippers this past season. Williams was one of the only consistencies for the Clippers and he performed marvelously. Lou is surely a lock for the Sixth Man of the Year Award.

Additionally, he has become the new face of the LA Clippers, and is making history for the franchise. In a recent article, “The Lou Williams Experience”, written by our very own Thomas Fenn, some of the best Lou moments of the season are highlighted. These include Lou becoming the All-Time leader in steals in a single game (with 10) and scoring 50 points in a win against the Golden State Warriors.

Lastly, the fans of our beloved Clippers are tired of heartbreak. Losing Chris Paul and Blake Griffin last year was a massive blow. With the signing of Lou Williams to a three-year deal, Clippers fans are hanging on to the hope for a successful future. A future that has Lou Williams on the team.