As the LA Clippers are still looking to compete for a title, this offseason is the perfect opportunity to retool for what’s next. This may be the last opportunity to add a championship banner, and the front office must do whatever it takes to win it all.
While many can say that the Clippers would have won had they remained healthy, the reality is that potential injuries are a disadvantage for any superstar in the NBA. Using this as an excuse to avoid the real issues is a mistake that could cost LA another season.
That said, the front office must be willing to make any decision necessary to hunt for the top spot in the Western Conference. Some of these decisions may be hard, but they should be considered mandatory as the NBA is a business at the end of the day.
One of the more challenging decisions for the LA Clippers may be moving on from the eight-time all-star Paul George. Though George is likely considered the all-time greatest Clipper, his injury concern constantly hurts the rest of the team.
Assuming the Clippers hold George on the trade block, there are several other stars the front office could add in their pursuit of winning a championship. In fact, some of these stars may be younger, less injury prone, and at their peak, which gives LA exactly what they need.
However, there is one star in the West that is everything the Clippers are hoping for. The front office should do whatever it takes to seal the deal on this trade package.
The LA Clippers and New Orleans swap superstars
One star, the LA Clippers, should have their eyes on is the former Most Improved Player Brandon Ingram. Not only does he have an arsenal at all three scoring levels, but he is an underrated defender with the potential to thrive, given the right opportunity.
Furthermore, with Tyronn Lue in the head coaching position, Ingram will be in the perfect system for many years. In addition, playing with a point guard such as Russell Westbrook will guide him into the all-NBA/superstar conversations.
What’s more, one of the most significant issues for the LA Clippers was how crowded the bench was. Some players deserved to play more minutes, yet due to the immense amount of depth, Lue was forced to leave certain guys out of the rotation. A massive trade with another title-contending team is perfect for the Clippers and their front office.
Moreover, the New Orleans Pelicans, another championship-contending team, will have a high asking price for the face of the franchise. While Paul George may have the talent and resume, he is 33 years old and is nearing the end of his prime. That said, the Pelicans will want much more in return as they will be looking to compete for the years ahead.
Along with George, the LA Clippers may look to trade away Marcus Morris Sr., Robert Covington, and draft picks. Though this may seem like a hefty trade package regarding cap room, the Pelicans have their share of expensive contracts.
In return, the LA Clippers will receive Ingram, as well as Josh Richardson and Larry Nance Jr. This evens the cap space for both teams and provides quality players for what each side hopes to accomplish within the next few seasons.
Why the Clippers and Pelicans will agree to the offer
In regards to what the LA Clippers could receive in return, the New Orleans Pelicans have the best offer on the table. Replacing Paul George for Brandon Ingram is the ideal situation for LA. Yet, they will also receive quality role players.
Furthermore, Josh Richardson and Larry Nance Jr. would make great pieces of Tyronn Lue’s bench. In particular, Nance Jr. is one of the best role players in the league. Despite what the statistics and advanced metrics say, Nance Jr. is a phenomenal defender and provides a much-needed presence in the post. Not to mention he is also capable of playing the center position in the case where Mason Plumlee leaves in free agency.
Along with Nance Jr. comes Richardson, who has some of the best veteran experience in the NBA. Not only has he played with some of the league’s best talent, but earlier in his career, he showed signs of star potential.
However, one of the most prominent attributes of Richardson’s game is his ability to knock shots down while playing defense at the highest level. This is clearly what the Clippers need, as they tend to struggle against elite guards.
Conversely, the Pelicans will receive a top-ten talent in George and high-quality role players such as Robert Covington and Marcus Morris Sr. When given the right opportunity, Covington could be one of the best defenders in the NBA.
In the end, this trade is perfect as it fills the needs of both teams. The future should be considered a priority for the Clippers, and this trade solves what the front office has been searching for since last season.