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Ranking LA Clippers’ players availability ahead of the trade deadline

By Ethan Smith

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 03: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Staples Center on February 3, 2020 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 03: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Staples Center on February 3, 2020 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 13: Maurice Harkless #8 of the LA Clippers looks on against Melbourne United during a pre-season game on October 13, 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 13: Maurice Harkless #8 of the LA Clippers looks on against Melbourne United during a pre-season game on October 13, 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The two most likely, but not guaranteed, to be moved

2. Montrezl Harrell

The interesting case of Montrezl Harrell. Harrell has been a fan favorite in LA since his arrival with the team shortly after the Chris Paul trade with Houston and his energetic play despite his lack of size has been stellar at times as he shares the opportunity of being in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation alongside Lou Williams every season.

The one issue though? Harrell just doesn’t get it done defensively. Take the win against San Antonio on Monday for example. When Ivica Zubac was guarding San Antonio’s main scorer in Lamarcus Aldridge, he shot 0-5 from the field and struggled to even create chances. When Harrell was placed against Aldridge defensively, however, Aldridge shot 9-12 from the field and helped keep San Antonio in the lead for most of the game.

Yes, Harrell is an amazing player but the Clippers likely won’t have interest in offering Harrell the amount of money he’ll want this offseason, so trading him ahead of Thursday’s deadline is definitely a likely option for the front office. Determining Harrell’s value is a whole different battle as trading Harrell would likely mean upgrading the center position or making a splash by adding another superstar to create a trio of Leonard, George, and another star player.

The case here is that to move Harrell, the team receiving him would have to know he plans on returning in the offseason, much like last season when the Clippers sent Tobias Harris to Philadelphia, where he now makes max money.

Harrell’s availability is truly unknown but don’t be surprised if the Clippers get an offer that clearly resembles formulating a better fit around it stars and they accept and move on from Harrell.

1. Maurice Harkless

This was probably the most obvious player on this list that many expected to be the most likely to be traded before Thursday.

Harkless was brought to the Clippers via a three-team trade and while many were excited for his arrival as a 3-D wing, he has underperformed for the most part this season and the one position of need the Clippers have that has been obvious for most of the season is an upgrade at the wing position.

Ironically enough, Harkless’ contract matches up perfectly with Robert Covington from the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have been rumored to be moved from Minnesota for quite some time. The Wolves have asked for two first-round picks in return, however, which the Clippers cannot offer due to the Stepien Rule, but a package of Mo Harkless, Jerome Robinson, and the 2020 Philadelphia 1st Round Pick may be enticing to Minnesota if other potential suitors decide to look elsewhere.

Harkless could also be instrumental in adding other forwards who can stretch the floor such as the Knicks’ Marcus Morris, who was mentioned earlier, Thaddeus Young from the Chicago Bulls, Andre Iguodala from the Memphis Grizzlies or adding a solid center like Enes Kanter or Tristan Thompson.

Next. Three centers the Clippers could target. dark

Whatever the LA Clippers decide to do before the deadline on Thursday will likely be made in the best interests of creating a roster that will be better suited for the postseason or keeping the roster intact to keep changes from creating locker room issues. Who would you like the Clippers to acquire or move?

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