Clipperholics
Fansided

3 centers the LA Clippers could target at the trade deadline

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 17: Aron Baynes #46 of the Phoenix Suns blocks the ball against the LA Clippers on December 17, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 17: Aron Baynes #46 of the Phoenix Suns blocks the ball against the LA Clippers on December 17, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Aron Baynes

Aron Baynes isn’t as an enticing target as Steven Adams or the next player on our list but he is someone who could be had for a lot lower price. What is that price? I’m not quite sure.

Baynes is just making a little over $5 million this year but is an expiring contract. He’s been relegated to the Suns’ bench after Deandre Ayton finally returned from suspension. While his minutes have gone down, he still could give the Clippers some much-needed depth behind Zubac and Harrell.

Baynes provides something that neither of those does though: floor spacing. While it’s not amazing, he is still hitting on 33% of his 3.8 attempts from three-point range this season. His ability to space the floor would fit nicely next to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard while still providing a lot of size on the defensive end.

In fact, scoring-wise, he’s in the midst of a career year. In his 33 appearances, Baynes has scored an average of 11.5 points per game. He also is a solid rebounder, pulling down 5.8 per game.

Getting Baynes, in theory, could be a relatively easy move. McGruder for Baynes straight up works or the Clippers could offer a combination of Robinson, Walton Jr., and second-round picks. The Suns might be inclined to take the second offer as the two players fit their timeline and the picks give them more assets that they can then use or then flip.

Going for someone like Baynes just adds to the center depth without having to move either Zubac or Harrell. This might be the smarter move as it doesn’t harm the existing rotation too much but does help the team in an area of need.

Home/Clippers News