Ahead of the trade deadline, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN says he highly doubts the LA Clippers make any big deals and instead wait for the buyout market.
On his Western Conference Trade Deadline Special, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN set aside time to talk about both of the Los Angeles’ teams. The big takeaway? Woj doubts both the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers make any significant moves ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
The LA Clippers have long been rumored to be active searchers in the trade market searching to shore up their roster prior to the final push of the regular season and into the playoffs. They have been linked to the likes of Kris Dunn, Robert Covington, Derrick Rose, and more.
Even though the team has reportedly been making calls to check the availability of guys, Woj just doesn’t see them making a big deal, especially anything similar to last year’s deadline where they sent Tobias Harris to Philadelphia in the middle of the night.
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The Clippers have a very tradeable contract in Maurice Harkless who makes $11 million this year but is an expiring contract. They also have Montrezl Harrell on an affordable deal, albeit expiring and likely looking to get paid this summer. Rodney McGruder could be another potential pice to throw into a deal as could the youth (even though unproven) of Jerome Robinson, Derrick Walton Jr., and Terance Mann.
Picks wise, the LA Clippers can only trade this year’s first round pick after giving up all other tradeable picks in the Paul George deal this summer. With no picks to hand out, upgrading the team’s talent seems extremely unlikely.
Woj mentions that as far as he knows no one is really reaching out to the Los Angeles teams as they sit atop the conference and are big market teams who usually get the players they want anyway. Instead, Woj notes that both of LA’s teams will likely just wait until the buyout market. Players that are bought out are likely to want to join contenders and given the location of the Clippers, the idea of joining them seems even more enticing.
The trade deadline is just a few days out with the buyout market heating up right after. Make sure to follow us on Twitter and to keep checking back here for all of your LA Clippers’ news and rumors!