The LA Clippers are reportedly active in trying to acquire help via trade

According to a report by Yahoo’s Keith Smith, the LA Clippers have been active in the trade market and are one of the teams trying hardest to acquire help.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Keith Smith, the LA Clippers are one of the “most active” teams in trying to acquire help via the buyout and trade markets.

Fans and reporters alike have been speculating as to whether the Clippers will attempt to make any trades ahead of the deadline, or simply stand pat with the current roster. And while this isn’t conclusive evidence, it would appear that the front office is is looking to make at least one.

The obvious play would be to acquire a center, which is one spot where the Clippers have been consistently overpowered this season. Marcin Gortat and Boban Marjanovic have been the main minute-getters at that position, and it’s become increasingly clear that neither is capable of playing against elite bigs.

Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez could be a potential target for the Clippers if they plan to aim low and avoid compromising potential cap space this summer. The former 15th overall selection hasn’t started a single game for the Bulls this year, and is averaging his lowest scoring output since the 2011-2012 regular season.

Lopez would likely be an upgrade over both Gortat and Marjanovic, given his more well-rounded play and versatility. Often regarded as a team player, Lopez is a physical big that brings strong leadership into the locker room.

The Golden State Warriors and Lopez would reportedly have mutual interest if he is bought out by Chicago, so LA’s best bet would be to negotiate a trade with the Bulls. Per the same report, the Bulls would prefer to not buy him out.

The Clippers could also target Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic, who could be one of the most coveted players around this year’s trade deadline. Like Lopez, Vucevic is on an expiring deal and wouldn’t compromise any potential cap space this summer if the Clippers would choose not to re-sign him. The 28-year-old center is averaging a career-high 20.2 points and 11.9 rebounds per game this season, and is one of the more well-rounded offensive bigs in the NBA.

While Vucevic isn’t necessarily known for his defense, coaches have reportedly been impressed by how much he’s improved that aspect of his game this season. He’s like Danilo Gallinari in the sense that he’s long been an underrated defender.

Vucevic comes with a higher asking price than Lopez, so if the Clippers are indeed pursuing a deal for a center, the front office will need to choose which direction the team will take in the second half of the season. Do you go for Vucevic in the “win-now” deal? Or do you buy low on Lopez for a more seamless transition?

Whichever (if any) player(s) the LA Clippers choose to pursue, we can expect to see some action ahead of this year’s trade deadline.