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.
2. Khris Middleton
One of the best players on the market for the LA Clippers is the three-time all-star and former NBA champion Khris Middleton. As the Milwaukee Bucks were sent home in the first round of the playoffs, they may look to adjust their roster. Fortunately for the Clippers, they are looking to do the same.
Moreover, Middleton is among the most efficient and reliable scorers in the NBA. Middleton has shot 37% from three or higher in 8 out of 11 seasons throughout his NBA career. Not to mention before 2022-23, he averaged over 18 points for five consecutive years.
However, one of his most overlooked attributes is his ability to thrive on the defensive end. One of the biggest struggles for the LA Clippers in the playoffs was that they did not have anyone to match the size of Kevin Durant. While Westbrook may do a good job, having a player like Middleton would have helped the team in a variety of ways.
In return, the Clippers’ front office may have to move on from Norman Powell, Eric Gordon, and one of the young talents searching for an opportunity. Though this package may be a handful, Middleton is undoubtedly one of the best scorers in the league when he is at his best.
In addition, this trade would help clear some of the depth on the bench. This is pivotal as players such as Robert Covington did not get an opportunity due to the crowded bench. This package makes perfect sense for both parties involved.
1. John Collins
Assuming Russell Westbrook resigns with the LA Clippers, John Collins would be the perfect fit in the starting rotation. Not only is he one of the best lob threats in the league, but Collins has also found his way on the defensive end since entering the NBA.
Moreover, one of the biggest reasons the Hawks may be looking to trade Collins is his minimal impact this season. However, this was likely caused by the addition of Dejounte Murray and other players at the trade deadline.
That said, having Collins in the starting lineup would leave Nicolas Batum to come off the bench. This strategy may be the key to winning, as both forwards are elite on defense. If Collins can find his three-point shot, there is no telling how far the Clippers can go in the postseason.
Furthermore, throughout the 2022-23 season, Collins averaged 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 50.8% from the field and a career-low 29.2% from three.
If his regular season stats weren’t low enough, Collins’ playoff numbers added to why he may be traded. In six games against the Boston Celtics, the former Wake Forest star averaged 11.3 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 43.3% from the field. These numbers prove that his value is not the highest, and that is something the Clippers’ front office must take advantage of.
Regardless of his statistics, one of his best attributes is his availability. This is crucial for a team like the Clippers, as they have been struggling with injured stars for over a decade.