After a draft that was more exciting than some expected, the LA Clippers should look at the New Orleans Pelicans for a potential trade.
We’re on the other side of the draft, and already there’s plenty to talk about moving forward. The LA Clippers look different with the addition of Luke Kennard in place of Landry Shamet, but the lack of a playmaker was not addressed in the draft.
Enter: the New Orleans Pelicans. After taking Kira Lewis, Jr. with the 13th pick and trading Jrue Holiday for a package from the Bucks, the Pelicans now have 4 point guards and 3 shooting guards on their roster heading into free agency.
It’s a crowded backcourt. George Hill, Eric Bledsoe, Lonzo Ball, Kira Lewis Jr., Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and JJ Redick will all want to see time on the floor, and it will be tough for the Pels to accommodate all of them.
This is where the Clippers should be kicking the tires. Several of those names could be fine additions to the Clips’ backcourt, but I’m most interested in George Hill and Lonzo Ball.
The LA Clippers front office has to feel like George Hill is attainable, if they want to pursue him, but what about Lonzo? After an improved regular season where he put up 12 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds per game with solid defense, Lonzo was a dud in the bubble.
Do the Pelicans still see him as part of their future going forward? If not, I’d love to see the Clippers pursue a Ball trade. If they do value Lonzo higher than a trade the Clips can offer, George Hill would be a very competent guard in limited minutes for the Clippers.
The million dollar question is, can the Clippers make a trade package that entices the Pelicans to give up one of their point guards? With Shamet gone, the asset chest is small. Kennard could still be moved again if the Clippers have a move up their sleeves, but after that it’s pretty slim pickings.
A Trezz sign-and-trade to New Orleans isn’t very realistic. Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams don’t solve the problem of too many guards and not enough forwards. Outside of that, do the Pelicans highly value one of our young guys?
All that said, the LA Clippers should absolutely be calling the Pelicans and gauging the worth of all of the point guards on the roster. With the right move, the Clippers could get a guy who really helps the team win in the coming years.
Who would you like to see from New Orleans? Let us know on Twitter, and keep posted here at Clipperholics for all things LA Clippers.