Buy or Sell: Confidence in LA Clippers Trade Rumors

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: A general view at Staples Center before the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: A general view at Staples Center before the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
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LA Clippers Patrick Beverley
LA Clippers Patrick Beverley Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Buy or Sell for the LA Clippers: Myles Turner

Taking a minute to move away from guards, we’ll look at Myles Turner.

Turner’s name became linked to the LA Clippers after a report from the Indianapolis Star mentioned that the team had reached out to the Pacers to assess his availability. It has been frequently rumored that Turner could be moved as the team tries to focus more on Domantas Sabonis going forward.

As far as trades for the Clippers go, this would be one of the most high-profile deals they could pull off. Turner is a young player and an extremely well-respected rim protector. He is also capable offensively, especially given his ability to shoot from deep. He’s putting up 4.4 attempts from three-point land this season, converting on 32.9%.

The biggest downside to this deal would be likely having to deal Ivica Zubac. The Pacers would be able to pair him and Sabonis together a bit better, and Zubac is the Clippers most tradable young asset.

While seeing Zu go would hurt, Turner would be an upgrade, especially if the Clippers could also get back T.J. McConnell. Patrick Beverley would have to be included in any deal given Turner’s $18 million price, so the Clippers would be remiss to not try and at least bring another guard back. A deal would also likely have to include another young prospect (Terance Mann, Mfiondu Kabengele) and a bevy of second-round picks.

Even with all of that, I doubt there’s enough to get a deal done for someone of Turner’s caliber.

Verdict: Buy the interest. Sell the likelihood