The LA Clippers may have hidden trade assets in Luc Mbah a Moute and Milos Teodosic should they decide to move them by Thursday.
Milos Teodosic and Luc Mbah a Moute have appeared in a grand total of 19 games combined this season for the LA Clippers. At the start of the season, many thought both would be included in the rotation to some degree. However, an ongoing injury to Luc and Milos being stuck behind too many guards has left both in the back of everyone’s minds.
Let’s step back and look at each player’s current situation before diving in. Luc Mbah a Moute has been “days away” from returning from his sore left knee for what seems to have been two months at this point. The team still has not given a definite timetable of when he will be able to suit up for the team.
Meanwhile, Milos has fallen so far out of the rotation that he hasn’t been with the team. It’s unlikely that he will be back in the NBA next year after comments he made earlier in the season.
I ask you: What’s the point in holding onto either player?
There really isn’t any. Yes, Luc may provide some defense come playoffs if we make them, but I doubt he will be a difference maker should we get the unlucky matchup of the Warriors in the first round.
Since neither player looks to be a factor for the remainder of the season, why not try and trade them?
Now, listen. I won’t pretend either player has high trade value or even much of one for that matter. But exploring the market for each is still something the team should do. Mbah a Moute, should he get off the injury report, could help a true contender.
Teams (like the Lakers) who are going to be very active at the trade deadline may end up being in need of a small forward who can play defense and shoot from the corner. Other teams may need point guard depth for the remainder of the year.
While both types of players can be found on the buyout market post-trade deadline, it still doesn’t hurt to check. Getting back even just a single second round pick for each player would be at the benefit of the Clippers. It’s not a huge haul, but with everything hinging on getting star players this summer, having more assets is never a bad thing.
It’s unlikely that either player gets moved before Thursday’s deadline, but exploring the market for each makes sense, especially considering neither has value to the team.