The LA Clippers missed out on Ricky Rubio and Chris Paul.
The LA Clippers can mark two point guards off their trade board. In a blockbuster move, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, and other assets.
Both point guards in this trade had been linked to the Clippers, who are in search of upgrading their playmaking this season. Chris Paul was coveted by fans but his massive salary made any deal that would send him to the Clips seemingly impossible. Rubio, however, seemed obtainable at least from a salary perspective.
What makes this deal sting a bit more is that CP3 reportedly wanted to make a return to the Clippers after Doc Rivers was let go.
The Suns deal for Chris Paul is about done, per Woj. Was told CP3’s first choice was Clippers now that Doc Rivers is gone. Paul seemed mixed on New York.
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) November 16, 2020
While the move was unrealistic, the idea of having CP3 back on the Clippers next to both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George was intriguing. Instead, he will join a talent-loaded Pacific Division next to Devin Booker.
Rubio seemed like a very likely trade candidate over the past week or two as it became increasingly reported that Chris Paul was the Suns’ top target. Many did not think Rubio would be included in the trade due to his contract extending past this year. While the Thunder may not keep him on their roster, it’s hard to see the Clippers having a real path towards him now given their lack of assets (that the Thunder actually own).
The Clippers will now have to look at other potential point guards. There is still Jrue Holiday who is available. LA seemingly is trying to move into the first round of the draft and that could help them get the assets needed to make a bigger deal. The team might have to also just look at free agent guards such as Rajon Rondo who they reportedly have interest in.
What point guard would you like to see the LA Clippers go after now? Let us know on Twitter and keep checking back here for all your breaking news, rumors, and more!