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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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 11: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 11, 2017 at STAPLES Center 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 Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 11: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 11, 2017 at STAPLES Center 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 Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

Buy or Sell for the LA Clippers: Kyle Lowry

The biggest name linked to the LA Clippers thus far is Kyle Lowry.

The All-Star point guard for the Toronto Raptors has denied wanting to be traded but with his team at a crossroads, he might just be on the move. Getting a deal done for Lowry would be the most complicated move the Clippers could pull off from a salary standpoint.

While he is in the last year of his deal, Lowry is still making $30 million this season and frankly, the Clippers don’t have the pieces to make a deal for that on their own without selling off absolutely all of their depth. A third team would 100% have to get involved.

From a fit standpoint, Lowry would be the ideal point guard for this Clippers’ roster. We know how he fits with Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka. He can still play defense and is shooting 39% from deep this season. Everything he brings to the table is what the Clippers’ starting lineup needs.

That’s why it hurts so much to not think he’s not a realistic target. Unless a surprise team swoops in and helps the Clippers, it’s just not going to happen. This doesn’t mean the Clips could just bring Lowry in while another team helps match his salary, either.

The team is close to being hard capped and would still have to get nearly the $30 million off the books in order to absorb Lowry’s deal. There’s just no way I see that happening and the team feeling like they have improved overall.

Verdict: Buy the interest. Sell the likelihood.