A Trio Who Could be Traded for the Right Price
5. Ivica Zubac
When the Clippers traded for Zubac from the Lakers last season, many in Clipper nation didn’t realize the talent the young center possesses and Frank and the front office basically got him for free.
The 22-year old center has seen an uptick in his productivity this season, posting 8 points per contest along with 7.1 rebounds and providing the interior defense that the Clippers want to improve very badly.
When it comes to Zubac and his trade value, the purpose of trading him would likely come to upgrade the center positions, aiming to attain the likes of Clint Capela, Andre Drummond, Steven Adams or Enes Kanter, who have all had their names thrown around in numerous circles.
Trading Zubac is the less likely option of the two main centers on the roster, more on that later, but packaging his $6 million dollar contract along with another player to get a better starting center is definitely something Frank and the front office will consider ahead of Thursday.
4. Jerome Robinson
Say hello to the Jerry West project in the form of Jerome Robinson. The Boston College product was drafted in the lottery when West convinced the front office he was worth much more than what most front offices thought, which was definitely not a lottery pick.
Robinson’s production has been far from good this season as his shooting splits are currently at 33.8-28.4-59.7, which all are down from last season. His defense has also become nearly unbearable to watch at times but despite all of this, other front offices may see value in Robinson who has the potential to be a solid piece as a fourth or fifth option but trading him to the right environment would be key to his success on another roster.
An environment that I believe would suit Robinson very well would be with the New York Knicks or the Houston Rockets. Both rosters need perimeter shooting and not necessarily from someone super productive but from a player who can make a shot when called upon and at times, Robinson has been able to do so. I could very well see Robinson involved in a trade with the Knicks to acquire Marcus Morris but in all likelihood, Robinson will be staying put.
3. Landry Shamet
Landry Shamet has been phenomenal since being traded to the Clippers last season after being involved in the Tobias Harris trade and his perimeter shooting is uncanny when being surrounded by other stars.
Shamet has shot well in all facets this season, posting a 42 percent field goal percentage and shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc and his perimeter shooting would be enticing to any team looking to move a second-tier star and his contract, which is still his rookie deal, is very cost affordable for what you would be gaining by acquiring Shamet.
His involvement in trades is unlikely with his contributions to the roster but if a team like the Timberwolves or Thunder agrees to move on from a star player, Shamet may have to be used in an effort to make a deal happen ahead of the potential NBA Finals push.