No. 4: Elton Brand
Franchise Averages: 20.3 PTS, 10.3 REB, 2.7 AST
The Elton Brand trade is still one of the best in LA Clippers franchise history. Just two years after he was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the top pick in 1999 NBA Draft, the Clippers worked a deal to send Tyson Chandler, that year’s second overall pick, and Brian Skinner to Chicago in exchange for Brand.
Before his days in Los Angeles, Brand had already established himself as a perennial 20 and 10 player. In his first two seasons as a Bull, Brand averaged 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, posting virtually identical numbers in consecutive seasons.
LA decided they were all-in on Brand, and rightfully made him their franchise centerpiece. He continued to stay consistent statistically over the years, and even made slight improvements. HE became more efficient, grabbed more rebounds, and became a much tougher defender.
His best season came in 2005, when he recorded 24.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. And if it wasn’t for Kobe Bryant, there’s a good chance he would’ve won MVP that season.
However, Brand never did win the title he was seeking in Los Angeles, and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in the summer of 2008. He never won a title there, either.