The trade deadline will have several suitors available as the LA Clippers continue their pursuit of a modern-day point guard. While most of the roster will remain put, it is clear which players could be on the move. The front office may package these pieces, with draft picks, to acquire a solidified all-star. The adds to how the current rotation is one elite talent away from running away with a top seed in the Western Conference.
That said, reports have been hovering around the LA Clippers as they have shown interest in the former all-star reserve, Fred VanVleet. This has been a rumor for quite some time, as VanVleet possesses some of the tools necessary to help guide the Clippers to a deep postseason run. Additionally, VanVleet may be seen as the ‘true’ point guard the Clippers have been pursuing since the 2019 off-season.
The Clippers are interested in Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet, per @KevinOConnorNBA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 24, 2023
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In addition, franchise superstar Kawhi Leonard won a championship with VanVleet during his time with the Raptors. Making a move on a player of VanVleet’s level would make sense for various reasons, but it all comes down to what Toronto will ask for in return.
The Raptors may be heading into a deep rebuild, which may give the Clippers leverage in acquiring VanVleet. On the flip side, the LA Clippers must dig into their depth to match the contracts.
Furthermore, ESPN recently proposed a trade that would send VanVleet to LA in a blockbuster deal. This trade could be considered an excellent deal for the Clippers, but from a long-term perspective, it will do more harm than good.
How does ESPN believe the LA Clippers will be able to acquire VanVleet?
As Fred VanVleet is a former all-star and NBA champion, the asking price may be high for the LA Clippers. The front office should look into their untouchable pieces and proceed with their decision. Longevity is critical for a successful franchise, backing up why maintaining draft capital and having a stable future is just as important as winning a championship.
On that note, ESPN believes the Clippers should trade Amir Coffey, Brandon Boston Jr, Robert Covington, and a future-protected first-round pick to the Toronto Raptors. Outside of Covington, this trade would impact the future of LA drastically. However, if the package is right, the front office should do anything to win a championship.
In return, the Clippers would receive Fred VanVleet, Dalano Banton, and Juancho Hernangomez. This package would give LA the all-star they need to win a championship, along with a solid young piece and an experienced veteran.
This trade would be an easy one to accept for Toronto. They are receiving many young talents, draft capital, and one of the best two-way role players in the league. As the Raptors’ goal is to build around their foundation, adding players like Boston Jr and Preston is a phenomenal start.
A trade of this nature comes down to whether or not the LA Clippers will accept. This shows how much the front office values their future after superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George move past their prime years. Though winning a championship is the most important goal, is it worth giving away multiple second-round gems the coaching staff has discovered over the years?
Why the LA Clippers should say no.
If the front office went through with a trade for Fred VanVleet, the LA Clippers would end up moving in the wrong direction once the playoffs arrive. While he may be a great passer and defender, VanVleet’s efficiencies would ruin the flow of Lue’s offense.
So far this season, VanVleet is shooting 38.9% from the field and 34.1% from three, with a true shooting percentage of 53.9. These numbers invalidate his season average of 19.1 points per game, as he is attempting extremely difficult shots. Fans should also note that with the way the scoring has been improving, the last thing the Clippers need is an inefficient point guard.
Additionally, a young piece in Dalano Banton may be great for the future, but right now, there is a chance he will not have a spot in the rotation. This leaves the veteran forward, Juancho Hernangomez, who is on an expiring contract.
Moreover, trading an unproven point guard like Jason Preston would be a mistake, as he has shown flashes of the floor general the Clippers genuinely need. Not to mention the Raptors would receive two more young stars in Amir Coffey and Brandon Boston Jr, along with a championship-level role player in Robert Covington.
That said, this trade is unreasonable for the LA Clippers as VanVleet’s talents would hold Lue’s scheme from evolving to the next level. Lue and his staff would see no benefits through this trade, especially considering that they would have to give up a future draft pick in the process.