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3 players the Clippers should target before the trade deadline

By Hans Themistode

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 6: Kawhi Leonard #2, and Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers look on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 6, 2019 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 6: Kawhi Leonard #2, and Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers look on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 6, 2019 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Paul George
Paul George. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The LA Clippers are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Coming into the season, the overall outlook was somewhat murky considering the uncertain future of Kawhi Leonard. Although Leonard has never rushed back from injury, there’s still an outside chance that he could return this year.

Ultimately, those plans are contingent upon the arrival of Paul George who is currently nursing an elbow injury.

We refuse to play doctor but we will take a positive outlook on the possible outcome of the season. With Leonard tearing his ACL during the 2021 postseason and with the multiple-time All-Star undergoing surgery on July 13th, 2021, there’s a possibility that he could return during the tail end of the regular season and begin ramping up for the playoffs.

Should George return sooner rather than later, the Clippers would have their dynamic 1-2 punch back in the lineup. But, even with their duo back in the mix and despite Reggie Jackson proving that he’s far from done, would the Clippers have enough to knock off the Golden State Warriors or the Phoenix Suns? The answer appears to be no, however, they aren’t too far off.

So, with the trade deadline just around the corner on February 10th, and with little to no salary cap room due to the players they have under contract, should the Clippers swing for the fences? Yes and no. They won’t be able to swing a deal to bring in an enormous difference maker but they don’t need one. If Leonard and George saunter their way back onto the court, one small added piece could be all they need to push them back into the championship mix. Let’s check out the best players who can help fill that small void.

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