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Should the LA Clippers Try and Trade Into the First Round?

By Ryan Snellings

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: The logo of the 2019 NBA Combine is seen at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: The logo of the 2019 NBA Combine is seen at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Since the LA Clippers currently have no first round picks in the 2019 NBA Draft, should the team look to make a trade in order to move up?

The 2019 NBA draft is tomorrow night and the LA Clippers do not have a pick in the first round. While this class isn’t particularly noteworthy outside of the top four or five picks, it is still tough to not have a chance to grab a prospect.

LA does have picks in the second round (48 and 56), but players at that point in the draft often end up spending time in the G-League. Does it make sense for the team to try and move up into the first round?

In my opinion, it all depends on how the team feels about free agency. With Kawhi Leonard‘s decision looming, the front office likely has a feel of which way the superstar will go. If they think he is for sure staying in Toronto, moving into the first round makes sense. The team will likely be a fringe playoff team at best without the addition of Kawhi and could use the season to develop a first round prospect.

Trading for a lottery pick doesn’t seem likely, so the team would ideally find a trade partner in the mid to late area of the first round. The best asset to move? Danilo Gallinari.

Most mid to late first round teams are playoff teams who likely feel they are just one or two pieces away from really contending. Offering up Gallinari gives them a productive scorer who can play stretch big and is on an expiring deal. Teams like Portland, Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Boston (who has two picks, thanks to the Clippers) would likely be the best candidates to make offers to.

The Clippers likely would have to take a little money back, but as long as they aren’t breaking the bank, it may be worth it. Trading Gallinari seems like a likely outcome this season regardless of what happens in free agency, so moving him now and getting a young prospect might be the correct move.

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There’s obviously no guarantee that the Clippers can move into the first round by just offering Gallinari, but it is something that should be explored. If the team does feel like Kawhi will come, maybe this isn’t the right move to pull right now. It all just depends on how the front office feels.