We suggest one trade the LA Clippers could make with the Sacramento Kings.
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 Sacramento Kings.
The Kings are a young team with some interesting pieces looking to find their identity. They currently sit in 11th place in the Western Conference with an overall record of 28-36 and will be making the trip to Florida to play out the rest of the 2020 season along with the Clippers and 20 other NBA teams.
This series has a unique challenge in that the Clippers roster, as currently constructed, is one of the best in the NBA. They have top-of-the-line superstars, great role players, and incredible depth. There’s not much the team needs in terms of immediate help. So we’ve been forced to look for creative trades the team could make for a fun reason (like reuniting the Morris brothers) or for future insurance/taking a flier on a young player.
We’re in that boat again today as our suggestion allows the Clippers to pick up a high-energy big man to provide some protection and big-man depth in the chance that they don’t retain Montrezl Harrell this offseason.
Why we like this trade for the LA Clippers.
Richaun Holmes is currently averaging 12.8 points and 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in 28.8 minutes per night for the Kings. He’s a high-energy, active big man who knows his role and doesn’t try to force anything when he’s on the court. In addition to this, he’s locked into his contract for one more season and will provide the Clippers with athletic depth inside for at least one more full season.
Holmes is a fun player, he’d provide great energy off the bench, and would quickly become a favorite for Clippers fans.
Would the Kings do it?
They’d be losing a lot of production by shipping out Holmes, but would gain some roster and future cap flexibility by adding JaMychal Green. Holmes playing time, and numbers will certainly take a hit once Marvin Bagley returns from injury and one less center on the roster will open up more playing time for young big Harry Giles to earn more playing time and test his own health and skills.
Green has a player option for next season, and the Kings would hope that he exercises it to sign with another team to help gain some cap flexibility moving forward. They’ve been looking to define themselves and look toward their own future and find the players who fit their puzzle long-term.
We will continue our series of one trade with every team for the LA Clippers again tomorrow.