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Would a Steven Adams trade make sense for the LA Clippers?

By Ryan Snellings

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 15: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder seen prior to the game against the LA Clippers on December 15, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 15: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder seen prior to the game against the LA Clippers on December 15, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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One former NBA executive believes Steven Adams could greatly help the LA Clippers. Is a deal even possible and does it make sense?

The trade deadline always brings a lot of hypothetical talks, especially when it involves contenders like the LA Clippers. Many analysts aren’t sure what to make of the team with several thinking they need more size to really make a championship run.

This rings true in an article by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report where one anonymous former executive thinks the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Steven Adams would make a ton of sense.

But does it actually make sense for either team?

First, let’s look at the numbers. Steven Adams makes nearly $26 million this year. This means any trade the Clippers made would require including Maurice Harkless. The executive also notes that the Thunder would likely want Montrezl Harrell back.

A deal that works money-wise would be along the lines of:

The deal also works out if you substitute out Robinson and Walton Jr. for Rodney McGruder or JaMychal Green, but I would have to assume that the Thunder would rather have some youth to add to their team.

Adams would obviously be a size upgrade over Harrell and would add a ton of rebounding to the roster which currently has Kawhi Leonard leading in rebounds per game. He and Ivica Zubac could be a tough one-two punch for opposing big men.

For the Thunder, they get Montrezl Harrell, a budding star on the last year of his deal. They could use his time there to try and convince him to stay and play alongside a familiar face in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They also get a versatile wing in Harkless and the aforementioned prospects.

Here’s the thing though. The Thunder currently are in the playoff picture. This move only happens on the chance that they decide to fully blow up the roster and move away from both Chris Paul and Danillo Gallinari. If those two are to stay, the Thunder are extremely unlikely to move Adams.

Even if they do move on from those two, Adams is just 26 years old. He still fits with a rebuild albeit with a hefty contract.

Paul George to travel with team on road trip. dark. Next

I’d put this deal in the category of “extremely unlikely to happen”. While it would be great to get a Steven Adams, I just don’t see how the Thunder would give up him up for a package like this. As the trade deadline inches closer and closer, surely more rumors will pop up. Make sure to check back here for any and all updates!

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