As the LA Clippers’ future hangs in the air, the front office will likely search for another star behind Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The postseason proved to the world that although they have plenty of depth, star power is one of the biggest keys to making a deep run. Injuries and a discombobulated roster put the Clippers in a position to lose in round one.
Furthermore, the future of Russell Westbrook is uncertain. He proved to many NBA teams that he could still compete and return to being an all-star point guard with the right supporting cast. This situation is challenging for the Clippers as they do not have time to waste on building the best roster in the western conference.
That said, here are three players the Clippers’ front office should consider trading for to become the favorites in a stacked Western Conference.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns
Adding a player like Karl-Anthony Towns to the LA Clippers is exactly what superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George need. Towns will not only thrive as a lob threat, but he can stretch the floor for the rest of the guards. This will make opposing defenses hard to stop the Clippers at all three levels.
Not to mention the current backup center, Mason Plumlee, is set to enter unrestricted free agency. Assuming he finds an opportunity elsewhere, the LA Clippers should remain prepared in their pursuit of Towns.
Additionally, this trade would leave Ivica Zubac to shine on the bench, which is perfect for guards Terance Mann and Norman Powell. Zubac’s presence in the paint and rim protection is precisely what the bench needs to dominate once the starters need a breather.
Conversely, Towns does bring health concerns to an already injury-prone Clippers roster. This trade may hold high risk, but if the front office is all in on winning a championship, this move should be made without questions.