Though the LA Clippers currently stand as the sixth seed, there have been numerous times this season when the team appears to be falling apart. Through blown leads and large deficits, it is safe to say the Clippers should be looking to move some of their veterans.
In the absences of superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, multiple players have stepped up to help the Clippers through various aspects. This is the most prominent reason head coach Tyronn Lue is still competing for a top seed in the Western Conference.
On the other hand, a select list of players who were expected to take a jump never made it to the end of the tunnel. As this season is championship or bust for LA, there is no time to waste with the wide variety of pieces available at the trade deadline.
The front office can move the players on the trade block, address their weaknesses, and turn their season around. This is the most viable plan, as the LA Clippers have been nothing short of disappointing during their last ten games.
3. John Wall
In the moments of acquiring an elite play-maker in John Wall, the ceiling for the LA Clippers nearly doubled. Wall has the potential to score in just about every way possible while also creating shots for his teammates. He is also a phenomenal defender, especially in half-court sets.
The problem is Wall has been stuck at his floor, which is a role player on the bench. This explains why he may be at the top of the Clippers’ priorities to move at the trade deadline.
So far this season. Wall is averaging 11.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.3 rebounds. While these numbers may seem solid, Wall is posting 2.3 turnovers in only 22 minutes per game. Additionally, he currently stands with a true shooting percentage of 49.4. This number is far below the league average.
As the LA Clippers go through with their search for a true point guard, there will be much better suitors available. What’s even better is that Wall is on a team-friendly contract. This makes it much easier for the front office to move him and find a more substantial contributor in return.
2. Marcus Morris Sr.
Following his first season with the LA Clippers, it was clear that Marcus Morris Sr. would be a crucial piece to a championship run. Though he has had his highs, Morris’ lows have kept the team back. Although he had a great run to start the year, his inconsistency and minimal activity on the defensive end are the main reasons he may be on the trade block.
Besides quality three-point shooting and a solid post-game, Morris doesn’t bring much else to the table. The LA Clippers need two-way wings, and Morris has passed that point in his career. With his contract ending in 2024, this year’s trade deadline is the perfect opportunity to make a move.
Moreover, through 40 games played, Morris is averaging 13.2 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 43.9% from the field and 38.1% from three. Although the traditional box scores may look great, the advanced statistics tell the whole story.
According to the NBA’s overall measure, Morris is posting a defensive rating of 113.0. This metric ranks on the lower end of the roster, considering he plays some of the most minutes. Additionally, when watching him play, Morris’ hustle and movement around the perimeter are one of the leading causes of the constant defensive breakdowns.
As a result, the front office may package Morris with draft picks to acquire another all-star caliber player. A rebuilding team may find value in Morris as he has elite veteran experience, which can be used to develop rookies for the future.
1. Reggie Jackson
One player who may find himself on the trade block for the LA Clippers is the veteran point guard Reggie Jackson. As Leonard and George have made their way back, Jackson has yet to find an actual role on the team. There are times when he runs the floor and knocks shots down; on the other hand, he tries to create space and shoots a contested jumper.
This has led to him being benched for the slashing wing, Terance Mann. While Lue has mentioned he is experimenting with lineups, the front office may look to move on from Jackson at the trade deadline. Though this may be the right decision, his time in LA will forever be remembered. Especially during the 2021 Western Conference Finals run, the Clippers would not have made history without Jackson’s miraculous performances.
Moreover, during 39 games thus far, Jackson has posted 11.3 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.4 rebounds on 41.3% from the field and 34.1% from three. Alongside his two turnovers per game, Jackson’s defensive abilities are not quite there.
Therefore, opposing teams attempt to find Jackson in pick-and-roll scenarios. This damages the Clippers’ scheme, hence the decision to start a more capable defender in Mann. However, countless teams across the league could maximize Jackson’s offensive skill-set to his highest capacities.
As Jackson’s contract expires this off-season, several title contenders may swoop in and give him a chance to create a role for himself. The LA Clippers’ front office may look for draft picks or a quality point guard in return.