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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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

CLIPPERS TRADE : DANILO GALLINARI, LOU WILLIAMS, WESLEY JOHNSON, TOP-20 PROTECTED 2021 FIRST ROUND PICK

TIMBERWOLVES TRADE : JIMMY BUTLER, TAJ GIBSON

CLIPPERS’ PERSPECTIVE : Having exceeded the roster limit, the Clippers will prioritize in utilizing a few of their role players in a trade for All Star, Jimmy Butler. Having introduced himself to the league as a lockdown defender, he’s enhanced his reputation as an offensive talent by working incessantly on his game. His ability to score the ball Being stationed as the leader of the young Timberwolves team, his presence on the floor had yielded the team substantial impact on both ends of the floor.

Under his leadership, the Timberwolves had a differential net rating of +8.3 per 100 possessions which ranked second in the league. The trade for the two-way, ultra competitive star will proffer them an upper hand in the pursuit for another star in the forthcoming free agency. He could also pioneer a cultural shift for a franchise which had faltered in pivotal moments in the past decade. The inclusion of Jimmy ‘Buckets’ Butler could evince the initiation of a prosperous era in Los Angeles in contrast to the frustrations of the Lob City era.

The swap for long-serving Taj Gibson on a one year deal will proffer the Clippers a proficient forward who could feature off the bench. While being an efficient offensive player, Gibson has mainly won accolades for his rim protection and toughness on the defensive end. Having spent nearly a decade in the NBA, he could accommodate a mentorship role for the team. Moreover, swapping Gallinari’s multi-year deal for his expiring contract status will help ameliorate the franchise’s flexibility for the coming year. While the loss of two-time Sixth Man of the Year, Lou Williams, could turn out to be critical, the barter of Gallinari’s inflated contract could convince the Clippers’ front office to pursue this trade.

More. Jimmy Butler and the Clippers: Will it happen?. light

TIMBERWOLVES’ PERSPECTIVE : With Tom Thibodeau affirming that he will not participate in a rebuild, he’s likely bound to pursue deals that will help the franchise stay competitive in the present. Posing superior assets in comparison to the Knicks and the Nets, LA will represent an ideal trade partner for the Timberwolves. The acquisition of two high grade scoring threats in Lou Williams and Danilo Gallinari could help them in this regard. Further, the insertion of 3 and D player Wesley Johnson in this trade, will supply them a piece that can accommodate multiple positions on defense and shoot the ball at a reasonable rate.

Danilo Gallinari, often coined as The Rooster has demonstrated his versatility on the offensive end as a three-level scoring threat. The MVP of the Africa Game can function in either forward position and has exhibited his creativity on offense when fit. He compensates for his frailties on the defensive end with his excellent feel for the game. Being 6’10, his boasts splendid ball-handling skills for his size and has a knack of drawing fouls.

The incorporation of the combo forward could see the Timberwolves attain a complementary piece to Karl Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Jeff Teague. A pleasant locker room presence and a demanding matchup for any defender, a durable Gallinari should evince a quality wing addition for the Timberwolves roster.

Multiple Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams will significantly enhance their bench strength. Having entered the league as a point guard, he’d been transformed into a shooting guard under the tutelage of former 76ers coach, Maurice Cheeks. Alongside Hall Of Fame electee Allen Iverson, he had refined his handle and developed his pull up game. Currently regarded as an elite sixth man, he’d flourished as the leader of LA’s second unit.

A microwave scorer and an undervalued playmaker, the Clippers had resorted to Williams to usher them to victory in clutch situations. Should the savvy basketballer be bestowed with freedom akin to the one he’d enjoyed under Doc Rivers, he will remain prolific as a scorer.

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