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LA Clippers blockbuster trade creates a bright future

By Brian Cullen

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 1: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 1, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 1: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 1, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 03: Los Angeles Clippers consultant Jerry West talks with executive vice president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank at the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on April 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 03: Los Angeles Clippers consultant Jerry West talks with executive vice president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank at the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on April 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

What Happens Next

The picks are interesting in their own light. The 2020 first-round from Philly is protected, but considering the team they have put together won’t likely be in the lottery, the pick will likely convey. The two second-round picks are a chance to find a diamond in the rough a little deeper in the draft.

But the real gem is the Miami Heat’s unprotected 2021 first-rounder. The Heat are locked into some steep contracts into the ’20-’21 season. Unless they can land a big name in the offseason Miami might be headed to a rebuild which makes that 2021 pick look very attractive. That pick might also fall on the summer that the league allows teams to start drafting players right out of high school again.

For the immediate future this trade could bring one of two things, both have their own benefits for the franchise. In scenario one, the team stays competitive and continues to fight for playoff positioning. While Gallo has been out the team has had some success running 3 guards with Tobias Harris at the 4. Gallo has been having a career and putting up almost identical numbers as Harris has, meaning there’s no reason to believe the team can’t continue to roll out similar lineups with success.

The addition of Shamet could mean another trade or buyout including one of teams other wings in Milos Teodosic, Jerome Robinson, or Avery Bradley. With Scott leaving the club one would assume that he becomes replaced by Chandler, or possibly with the return of Luc Mbah A Moute. Scott had been slightly disappointing this season with inconsistent shooting and defense; his departure shouldn’t have major effect on the team’s success.

This trade could send the team in several directions. Each of which should keep fans excited and feeling hopeful for the future.

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