We suggest one trade the LA Clippers could make with the Golden State Warriors.
We continue our series of suggesting one hypothetical trade the LA Clippers can make with every NBA team with another Pacific Division and in-state rival: the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors are having what can certainly be described as a “down year” for a franchise that has reached the previous five NBA Finals, winning three championships along the way. Various factors including losing superstar Kevin Durant in free agency and major injuries to many of their key players have contributed to the team’s league-worst 15-50 record.
They should certainly bounce back once they return to full health next season, but we’d like to suggest that the LA Clippers take a little piece of the Warriors roster for themselves with the following swap.
Why we like this trade for the LA Clippers.
Finding a trade for the LA Clippers that works with the Warriors is a bit of a logistical nightmare, with both teams well over the salary cap and approaching the luxury tax threshold. We also didn’t want to blow up either of the team’s cores with a completely unrealistic deal involving superstars.
This trade allows the Clippers to get some immediate depth and insurance at the center position in acquiring 22-year-old Marquese Chriss. Jordan Poole, currently averaging 8.8 points per game in 22.4 minutes per night for the Warriors would act as a nice throw-in to make the money work.
Chriss is enjoying a bit of a breakout season in his fourth NBA campaign. After bouncing around from Phoenix to Houston and then to Cleveland in his first three years, he’s found some footing in Golden State. He’s averaging 9.3 points and 6.2 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game this season. On top of that, he has proven he’s willing to adjust his role to play minutes at the center position and has increased his ability as a passer.
Chriss would bring the Clippers a young center to provide minutes now when needed and provide insurance in case Montrezl Harrell decides to leave for another team in free agency this offseason. He would be an inexpensive piece to help bolster the Clippers bench.
Would the Warriors do it?
Part of the reason for Chriss’ newfound success this year has been his situation and the opportunity provided to him in Golden State. He’s had the chance to blossom in a low-pressure environment on a team that wasn’t competing for a playoff spot.
That will change after this season as the Warriors will return to full health, and full expectations to compete for an NBA title. While Chriss has said he wants to remain with Golden State, his contract does come to an end at the completion of this season.
The acquisition of Mfiondu Kabengele would replace one promising, young center with another who happens to be under team control through 2023. Kabengele needs some work to develop, but in the same system where Chriss had the chance to blossom he could find similar success.
We will continue our series of one trade with every team for the LA Clippers again tomorrow.