Wilson Chandler
Chandler’s name is one that should be well-known by LA Clippers fans — he’s been involved in trade and free agency conversations for years now, dating back to the barely-post-Matt Barnes era. He’s a solid vet that can shoot, but he’s likely nothing more than a short-term replacement.
So far this season, Chandler is shooting 39 percent from deep on 3.3 attempts per game. He’s only shot a higher percentage from that range in one season, when he converted a career-high 41 percent during the 2012-2013 season with the Denver Nuggets.
Assuming Danilo Gallinari isn’t dealt by Thursday’s deadline, he’ll be reunited with an old teammate as well — he and Chandler played together for the New York Knicks not long after they were both drafted, and they were both sent to the Denver Nuggets in the same trade back in 2011. It wasn’t until Gallinari was traded to the Clippers that the two were separated after nine seasons together.
Chandler will likely take Harris’ old starting role, alongside Gallinari, who is expected to return on Thursday in Indianapolis. Like Gallinari, he’s more injury prone than the average player, as he’s already missed 18 games this season for Philadelphia. He’s out now, and could be for the next few weeks, so there’s a chance we don’t see him suit up for LA until after the All-Star break.
But like I said earlier, Chandler is likely nothing more than a short-term replacement — that is, he almost certainly won’t return beyond this season. He’s on an expiring deal worth about $13 million, and assuming the Clippers still have interest in Leonard or Durant, his 20-or-so games he plays in LA this season will likely be his last.
For now, though, Chandler looks to be a solid starting wing that’s capable of knocking down the occasional three-point shot.