LA Clippers: A few options for addressing the center position
While the LA Clippers have begun experimenting with Montrezl Harrell at center, the position could use some help. Here are some possible immediate options.
The LA Clippers may still be in need of a center.
Montrezl Harrell has looked great in the previous two games, his first two starts of the season, but could get exposed on some nights. Meanwhile, Marcin Gortat and Boban Marjanovic have both had impactful games for the team, but neither is mobile enough on defense. To top it all off, none of the three can really score outside of the paint and the team as a whole has struggled heavily with rebounding.
So what do they do? Help may not be too far away. Here are three centers that could possibly be acquired in the coming weeks to help this Clippers’ team make a playoff push.
Nikola Vucevic
The 28-year-old centers is in the midst of a career year at the most opportune time. Nikola Vucevic will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Orlando Magic are fully aware that they can and likely will lose him, so Vucevic could very well be on the move prior to the trade deadline.
More. Is Trading for Vucevic the Right Move?. light
His defense wouldn’t really be much of, if any, of an improvement over the current players on the team, but his ability to score and rebound would earn him an instant spot in the starting lineup. The Clippers could theoretically add him to the team for Marcin Gortat, Jerome Robinson and a protected pick and still not jeopardize their ability to sign a max-contract level free agent in the summer. It’s the best move for the team if they want to improve the center position now, but would also be the most costly.
Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon is currently toiling away in Atlanta, putting up just over 10 points per game while also bringing in 7.5 rebounds. At 7’0″ tall he is also a true rim protector, something the Clippers currently lack.
Dedmon is also capable of hitting the three ball, shooting 38.2% from deep this season. He’s only doing it on 3.1 attempts per game, but the threat of that is still more than any current center on the roster offers.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Hawks have begun to engage teams in talks for the center, who will also be a free agent this summer. His contract is only for $6.3 million, so the Clippers could possibly flip Milos Teodosic (who I assume would be waived) and a couple second round picks. I’m not sure if that is enough to get the deal done, but may be a good starter.
Robin Lopez
Lopez may have his best basketball behind him, but he is still a serviceable big man. He’s only putting up 5.9 points per game, but is also playing his lowest amount of minute (16.6 per game) since the 2011-12 season.
Lopez badly wants to be bought out and had initially intended to join the Warriors. But with DeMarcus Cousins‘ recent success coupled with how well Jordan Bell has played, they may not want him. That is where the Clippers could swoop in during the buyout market.
The issue? Lopez and the Bulls cannot agree on a buyout. The team wants to instead trade him so that they can at least get something in return. I can’t blame them, but it makes things more complicated. Like the others on this list, Lopez is a free agent this summer so it’s hard to give up much of anything for him.
Next. LA Clippers are reportedly active in trade market. dark
There are other centers that could possibly be on the move. Marc Gasol is the biggest name that could be with a new team come February 7, but his age and productivity may not warrant the price Memphis will ask. Would you want one of these three bigs? Who else would you target? Let us know on Twitter and check back for all your trade deadline coverage!