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Three Plausible Trade Scenarios for the Clippers

By Abhishek S

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: Minnesota Timberwolves Guard Jimmy Butler (23) looks on before an NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 22, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: Minnesota Timberwolves Guard Jimmy Butler (23) looks on before an NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 22, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic poses for a portrait during Media Day on September 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic poses for a portrait during Media Day on September 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

CLIPPERS TRADE : MARCIN GORTAT, MILOS TEODOSIC, 2021 SECOND ROUND PICK

MAGIC TRADE : NIKOLA VUCEVIC, JARELL MARTIN

CLIPPERS’ PERSPECTIVE : The inclusion of two guards in the draft to a roster already posing an abundance of guards, the exchange of Teodosic for a big-man will aid the Clippers in bringing their roster to completion. With Patrick Beverley destined to accommodate the starting point guard role and rookie Shai Gilgeous Alexander impressing the Clippers brass with his performances in the Summer League, it puts the Serbian playmaker in an odd position.

While he possesses a clean shooting stroke and high intellect on the offensive end, his isolation defensive frailties paired with his recurring injury concerns could diminish his game time. However, he could be an invaluable piece for lottery teams pursuing a starting caliber point guard. His ability to run an offense and pick out eye-catching passes make him an attractive trade asset.

The swap for a high grade center in Vucevic will offer the Clippers a voluminous rebounder and a post presence. In addition, his ability to stretch the floor and hit the occasional three pointer marks him as a modern era big man. Lacking in high grade athleticism, he atones for it with his high IQ and playmaking from the low post, hence conforming to the Clippers’ needs.

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Further, former first round pick Jarell Martin will be used as a salary filler in this deal. Having featured as a bench player for the Memphis Grizzlies in the prior season, his acquisition will furnish a Clippers a capable third choice power forward. His competitiveness and defensive toughness will carry value and will fit the identity the Clippers are seeking.

With both franchises yet to attain balance, this trade will yield them stability and will help enhance their roster. Moreover, with the afforementioned players resting on expiring deals, their flexibility will remain unaffected.

ORLANDO’S PERSPECTIVE : The lottery selection of elite defensive prospect in Mohamed Bamba leads to uncertainty in the future of Montenegrin big-man, Nikola Vucevic. While Vucevic possesses multifarious offensive weapons ranging from lethal post moves and strong shooting fundamentals, his substandard rim-protection, post defense and poor switchability upsets his stock. With Bamba being touted a potential franchise changing big, a swap for the European center seems within the realm of possibility.

Following the trade of Elfrid Payton, the Magic lack an adroit point guard to lead their team. The incorporation of ex-Euroleague  MVP, Milos Teodosic to their roster will furnish them an elite passer and an ideal lob partner to their athletic bigs. His experience and intellect could prove to be key in the development of their youth prospects. Having steered the Clippers to a 29-16 record under his leadership, he could kindle a culture change in a regular lottery featuring franchise in the Orlando Magic.

With the Eastern Conference beneath the stacked West in terms of quality, the addition of seasoned veterans in Teodosic and Gortat could assist them in contending for a place in the knockout phases. The insertion of a future second round pick paired with the opportunity of staying competitive while rebuilding could entice the Magic to assent to this trade.

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