Cons of trading for Vucevic
I sort of touched on it in the last slide, but Vucevic’s defense just isn’t good. Out in a tougher Western Conference, this could become a bigger issue, especially against teams with rim runners like Houston or against Denver who has arguably the best center in the league and could be a potential first round match-up.
The other issue is what the franchise would have to give up. Sure, moving an expiring Gortat deal is no problem whatsoever, but Jerome Robinson still has the potential to be something. The 13th overall pick in this past summer’s draft has only played 54 minutes for the team, but has been lighting up the scoreboard when assigned to the G-League.
Jerry West and the rest of the Clippers’ front office obviously saw something in him, so is it worth giving up a 21-year-old prospect for a possible rental in a year when you likely have no shot at winning the championship anyway?
Robinson isn’t the only piece that would be moved, either. Even losing a heavily protected first round pick could be dangerous. Should LA actually land one or two max contract players, veteran minimum contracts, mid-level exceptions and the draft may be the only way the team can add talent.
On the off chance the team does have to convey a pick, they could miss out on something that could potentially aid in a title run. With the history of Jerry West selected players, does it really make sense to move not only a young prospect he’s high on, but also another pick that he could have a hand in selecting? I think not.
Ultimately, not worth it
While Nikola Vucevic is a fine player, I just don’t see the point in trading for a rental while giving up assets. Yes, it is possible the big man decides he loves LA (he did play there in high school and for USC in college) and wants to re-sign, but that would mean giving up another member of the team who has already proven themselves.
I’m also of the mindset that if the Clips do land Kawhi, KD, both or some other combo of superstars, adding decent level talent at the center position will become easier with the possibility of ring chasers signing with the team. None of them will be at Vuc’s level of quality (unless we somehow get a DeMarcus Cousins situation), but serviceable talent can be found while being built to contend.
Trading for Vucevic may be a great short-sighted move and I will support it if it does happen, but the long-term cost just doesn’t ultimately seem worth it to me.