Though the LA Clippers made several adjustments in the off-season, their plan has not been in full force as they have fallen below .500. While there are numerous reasons for this slump, not having the ideal point guard has put Tyronn Lue’s game plan on hold. In addition, this has put more pressure on the health of superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Moreover, NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that the LA Clippers might be interested in Utah’s veteran point guard, Mike Conley. As this trade may have pros and cons, there is another point guard the Clippers’ front office should target from the Jazz.
The Clippers are interested in Mike Conley, per @TheSteinLine
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 16, 2023
(Via https://t.co/Zf5ZVHthKA) pic.twitter.com/DLQrfZPFXS
The Clippers’ age is becoming a genuine concern as they tend to increase their pace towards the middle of games. This adds to how it would be senseless to acquire a 35-year-old guard nearing the end of their career. Additionally, Conley doesn’t bring anything to the table that LA is currently missing.
Instead, the front office should look into Utah’s star backup point guard, Collin Sexton. This move would boost the Clippers’ play in transition, half-court sets, and the game’s overall speed. What’s more is that Sexton’s role in Utah is limited, giving the front office leverage in making the trade.
Collin Sexton would lead the LA Clippers as the starting point guard on a title-contending roster.
Inserting Collin Sexton into Lue’s scheme would push the LA Clippers back into championship contention. His scoring, play-making, and IQ are precisely what this team needs at this point in their regular season. Not to mention his mentality and underdog nature essentially embraces what the Clippers have been building over the years.
In only 24.1 minutes for the Jazz this season, Sexton is averaging 14.3 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 49.3% from the field and 39.1% from three. He would be the perfect point guard next to George and Leonard, as well as the interior dominance of Ivica Zubac.
On the other hand, the Jazz may receive John Wall’s two-way talents and draft compensation. This trade would give them a quality veteran who would help speed up the rebuilding process with hopes of battling for a title in the near future.
Nonetheless, the Clippers’ main reason for this trade is to add a young guard who can compete through a high volume of minutes. Sexton has proven multiple times in his career that he can produce consistently. He would be expected to do so once again if the LA Clippers made the call.