The LA Clippers, like most of the league, will likely look hard at both the trade market and the buyout market in the coming weeks.
The deadline to make trades is just two weeks away and every team who thinks they are contending is looking for that one piece to take them over the top. For the Clippers, many want to see some big sweeping change, whether it be a Kyle Lowry or some other big-name guy who can really change the outlook of this team.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic (subscription required), however, the team is not looking at doing that and instead will likely only make upgrades on the margins.
By refusing to make any big moves and instead focusing on small adjustments, the LA Clippers are making the right decision.
If Sam Amick is right, this isn’t the flashy or fun way for the trade deadline to go down but it does make the most sense given the circumstances.
Let’s face it. The Clippers don’t have a lot to trade. Any deals for a player like Lowry will require a combination of the likes of Patrick Beverley, Ivica Zubac, Lou Williams, and picks or young players. Is getting one guy back worth losing depth like that?
There’s also the chemistry factor. Last season, a lot was made about the team’s apparent lack of chemistry and the front office seemingly addressed that in the offseason with additions like Serge Ibaka and Nicolas Batum. Why, after all of that, would the front office trade away half of their players to bring in a new guy via trade and more via the buyout market?
This means the Clippers will likely be more aggressive with buyout market players instead of on the trade market. Of course, they will explore deals but adding a player to the roster instead of swapping guys just makes more sense. They can get a little bit better while also not shaking up the core all that much.
There will be decent players that come available via the buyout market and while they might not be top-tier talent, they are still capable of helping this team during the season. That might be all the LA Clippers need.