LA Clippers trade target No. 1: D’Angelo Russell
If the Clippers want to emphasize finding another ball-handler to pair with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, D’Angelo Russell would represent a major swing available to them. The Minnesota Timberwolves point guard is a supercharged version of what Jackson is providing and could be a boost both this season and for offseason transactions.
First, Russell would give this team a player to lean on when one of George or Leonard is missing. Russell is a former All-Star who clearly hasn’t maintained that level of impact, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad player. He’s a gifted offensive creator and a pinpoint passer, and while he is shooting just 34.6 percent from deep, he is hitting a very strong 55.6 percent of his 2-point field goals.
Advanced metrics speak positively of his offensive game on a holistic level. His Offensive BPM (Box Plus-Minus) is +1.2, and his Offensive EPM (Estimated Plus-Minus) is +1.5. Those are far from elite numbers, but on a team loaded with strong defenders on the wing, Russell would be able to provide something real on offense.
The other benefit to trading for someone like Russell is the possibility of a sign-and-trade this summer if the two sides decide not to re-up together. He will likely command a fairly large salary as he hits free agency this summer, and that could be an avenue for a sign-and-trade bringing back a player for the Clippers. For a team willing to spend and always peering into the transaction game’s clouded future, it’s something to consider.