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Could the LA Clippers Trade Into the First Round? Three Possible Deals

By Ethan Smith

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: A general view of the Official @NBA Spalding Basketball inside the lottery room during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: A general view of the Official @NBA Spalding Basketball inside the lottery room during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 14: Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Rui Hachimura (21) during the NCAA basketball game against the LMU Lions on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 at Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles. Calif. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 14: Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Rui Hachimura (21) during the NCAA basketball game against the LMU Lions on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 at Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles. Calif. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Clippers Trade With Another Free Agency Player

Why does this trade make sense for both sides? Well, the Nets are a big player in free agency, as are the Clippers, but by adding another prolific shooter in Danilo Gallinari to help alongside D’Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen, the Nets could sway other free agents to join them and stifle the New York Knicks.

For the Clippers, they rid of Gallinari’s huge-expiring deal($21 million) and open up two max slots in free agency. They also jump into the first round and in a solid spot at pick 17, making this trade worth while.

Who Would the Clippers Target?

Assuming he is still available at pick 17, the Clippers would be flattered to take Rui Hachimura out of Gonzaga.

The 21-year old is slated to be the first Japanese-born player to be drafted in the first-round of the NBA Draft.

Listed at 6’9′”, Hachimura would be a nice addition to the Clippers due to his size, wingspan and defensive ability. His three-point shot developed over his college career as he improved from 12 percent to 41 percent over a span of two seasons.

Hachimura averaged 19.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 1.5 APG in his junior season with the Zags and has the overall make-up of a solid role player and potential starter early on in his NBA career. This pick would be amazing for the Clippers as well to add some much needed depth at the forward position with Wilson Chandler likely heading out the door.

Other Options With This Possible Pick

  • F Nassir Little(UNC)
  • G Nickeil Alexander-Walker(VT)
  • F Keldon Johsnon(UK)
  • C Goga Bitadze(Georgia)
  • C Bruno Fernando

How Likely Is This Trade?

Unlikely. The Nets are big players ahead of free agency and will likely keep their cap situation the way it is for Russell to gauge another star like Jimmy Butler or Khris Middleton. Unlikely, but anything is possible in the NBA.