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LA Clippers trade Mike Muscala for Michael Beasley and Ivica Zubac

By Paul Tooke

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 06: Los Angeles Clippers executive board member Jerry West (L) and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer talk as they attend a 2018 NBA Summer League game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 92-85. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 06: Los Angeles Clippers executive board member Jerry West (L) and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer talk as they attend a 2018 NBA Summer League game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 92-85. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Amidst the trade deadline chaos, the LA Clippers have made yet another move. Mike Muscala, on the roster for just a day, has been sent to the Lakers for Michael Beasley and Iavica Zubac.

Michael Beasley is a career 12 point per game player. He was brought onto LeBron’s Lakers during the off-season to help fill the roster and serve as a backup, veteran power forward playing behind Kyle Kuzma.  Beasley signed a 1-year $3.5 million-dollar contract at that time, which the Clippers will now take on.  This season, he has managed to put up 7 points, 2 boards and an assist in under 11 minutes per game. Should the Clippers let Beasley’s contract expire, they will have more cap space for the upcoming offseason. This is likely their goal, as they have their eyes on multiple superstar players.

Ivica Zubac played effective minutes for the Lakers during his first three seasons in the NBA. He is now 21 years of age, and is averaging a career-best 8.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game. Analysts and fans alike already have expectations for the young center. He originally signed a 3-year $3,892,518 contract, with a qualifying offer of $1,931,189 for next season. Having recently recovered from a finger injury, Zubac was listed as probable for February 7th’s game. Zubac and Beasley will not suit up for the Clippers tonight, however.

The Clippers team looks completely different from it did just a couple days ago, but Zubac sticks out as someone who’s future is worth investing in. Letting Beasley’s contract expire is likely the best decision considering the Clippers are going after several stars in the offseason. Another option is signing Beasley to a minimum contract or something similar to help fill out the roster.

The Clippers have also chosen to waive Marcin Gortat and Milos Teodosic, and traded Avery Bradley for JaMychal Green and Garrett Temple. The big trade before that was sending Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and Mike Scott to the 76ers for  Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala and Landry Shamet.

Next. Clippers have their eyes on summer. dark

The Clippers also acquired several draft picks including a protected 2020 first-round pick from Philadelphia, an unprotected 2021 first-round pick from the Miami Heat and the Detroit Pistons’ 2021 and 2023 second-round picks. It will be interesting to see what the team looks like after the trade deadline dust settles today.

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