2. LA Clippers’ rumored trade: Kyle Lowry for Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley, Ivica Zubac, and Mfiondu Kabengele
Before the 2020-2021 NBA season, the Clippers were reported to look for an offensive-minded point guard. Beverley looked to develop his offensive playmaking ability and ball movement skills more this season. Beverley has missed the past eight games due to a knee injury with no time set on a return on the court. The Clippers could use a star offensive point guard to lead their offense and set up great scoring situations for Leonard and George.
This has been a difficult season for the Toronto Raptors (11-13) as they have not been able to play in their home country of Canada due to the impact of COVID-19. Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry has been rumored to be on the trade block as they might look to get some value from the aging 34-year old six-time NBA All-Star.
Lowry has been playing at a high-level all season for the Raptors as he is averaging 17 points per game and 6.4 assists per game. He is shooting 42.6% from field goal percentage, 36.9% from the three-point arc, and a free throw percentage of 87.3%.
While adding a veteran point guard like Lowry to the Clippers would be a huge impact tremendously as well as reunite Lowry and Leonard, there is a huge risk. Lowry is currently on a one-year contract worth $33 million and will be 35 in March.
To match the expensive contract of Lowry, the Clippers would have to trade Williams, Beverley, Zubac, and second-year center Mfiondu Kabengele. None of these players for the Clippers have the offensive star potential that Lowry has experienced in the past. Williams is losing steam as an offensive playmaking due to age. Trading for Zubac would solve the lack of depth and talent at the center position.
Lowry has one-to-three solid years left as a great offensive point guard, which is ideal for the Clippers’ win-now situation for an NBA championship. This is a high-risk, high-reward situation for Los Angeles if they excel in the playoffs. This may also hurt them due to a lack of depth.