1. The LA Clippers trade their starting center to the Indiana Pacers.
Around the time of the trade deadline last season, the two-time block champion, Myles Turner, was constantly rumored to be traded to the LA Clippers. His style of play would fit right into Lue’s game plan. Despite his talent, the front office did not make this trade for various reasons.
The biggest issue with Turner appeared to be his availability. Throughout the 2021-22 NBA season, Turner only played 42 games. This mark was slightly over 50% of the regular season. In the trade package with the Indiana Pacers, the LA Clippers would not only trade away Zubac and Preston, but also a young wing in Amir Coffey.
Coffey is one of the most vital pieces of the Clippers’ young core. The front office realized his potential and instantly offered him a three-year, $11 million contract. Trading Coffey and a play-making point guard in Preston would be illogical for the LA Clippers.
Amir Coffey has agreed to a three-year, $11M deal with the Clippers, his agents Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of @BDA_Sports and WME Sports tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022
Currently, Zubac holds just as much, if not more, value than Turner. As Zubac is not much of a threat from the three-point line, Lue can rotate wings at the center through a small-ball lineup. Not to mention, Zubac proved just how valuable he could be as he had a career night during the battle of LA.
.@ivicazubac had a career-night.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 21, 2022
🎯 @Kia Performance of the Game. pic.twitter.com/PbRe9Q9XsP
Receiving a center like Turner does no good for the LA Clippers. His talent may be of use later in the season. Still, if he cannot stay healthy, he will come in the way of the Clippers’ championship aspirations. Lue and the front office will have no interest in acquiring Turner, especially for the cost of the team’s quality rotational players.