Clippers Rumors: Team could move 2020 first-round pick before deadline
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the LA Clippers could look to deal their 2020 first-round pick before the trade deadline.
The trade season unofficially opens in just five days. On December 15, players who signed deals this offseason can be dealt. Although there is not a rumored deal just yet, the LA Clippers could move their 2020 first-round pick.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Clippers are among a number of contenders who could deal their 2020 first-rounder in order to upgrade their roster for a championship run.
Other teams on the list include the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks.
For the Clippers, the most talked about move has been acquiring Andre Iguodala. Memphis has been adamant that they will not buy out Iggy and will trade him, so the Clippers could make that move. The often talked about deal would involve Maurice Harkless, Jerome Robinson, and the aforementioned first-round pick.
Outside of that, it’s unclear who the Clippers would target. Yes, there are offensive pieces available such as Kevin Love and possibly J.J. Redick, but neither seems like a realistic target for the Clips.
Early in the season, there were concerns with playmaking and the center position, but both have worked out just fine. The team has used playmaking by committee with Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard all taking turns at dishing the ball out. The return of Landry Shamet should help as well.
For the center position, Ivica Zubac and Montrezl Harrell have been nothing short of outstanding. The Clippers haven’t shown any sort of big problem at protecting the rim, so early fears seem unwarranted.
Outside of their young players, the 2020 pick is the only asset the team really has. Every other pick they are allowed to trade for the foreseeable future was given away in the acquisition of Paul George.
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With no clear target on the market right now and the team playing well, it’s hard to see them making a deal. Perhaps a player worth dealing a pick for will become unhappy between the 15th and the trade deadline, but unless that happens it seems like the Clippers will stand pat with their current roster.