Following another season riddled with injuries, the LA Clippers’ front office will likely pursue other stars around the league. Whether through trade or free agency, head coach Tyronn Lue and his staff understand the current age of the roster and how there must be a sense of urgency this time around.
Furthermore, trading for a young star would be the most brilliant move for the LA Clippers. This will secure a bright future for the city of LA and keep the team in championship contention. With players such as Terance Mann and Bones Hyland on the roster, another rising star would be pivotal for the franchise once they move on from Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
However, not many teams around the league would be willing to trade a potential franchise centerpiece. Most rosters in the NBA already have a player they are set on and are looking to build around. Luckily for the Clippers, they have plenty to offer despite the minimal amount of first-round picks.
Outside of Leonard and George, LA has one of the strongest supporting casts in the NBA. From top to bottom, each player finds a way to contribute. That is what’s special about the Clippers, and the front office can use this to their advantage as many teams lack depth.
Especially with how the current Western Conference stands, being active on the trade block is the ultimate key to success. Though, one team, in particular, has what the Clipper’s front office should be aiming for. In addition, he has drawn many similarities to the former first-overall pick, Blake Griffin.
The Clippers land a former first-overall pick via trade
With Zion Williamson‘s current circumstances in New Orleans, the LA Clippers have the perfect trade package that benefits both teams. This is one that helps LA land the piece they have been missing while also allowing the Pelicans to flip a star into a superstar.
In fact, the New Orleans Pelicans are in a very similar situation as the Clippers. Both teams have the correct players in place. Still, they are missing one component that is causing the entire franchise to suffer in the postseason.
For the Clippers, rostering a player like Williamson is the closest the team has seen since the early days of Blake Griffin. Both players are ridiculous athletes who use their size in the paint to their advantage. Although they may differ in measurements, the concept remains the same regarding how their physical attributes put more points on the scoreboard.
Moreover, this trade would arguably be the biggest in both franchises’ history. As the Clippers would land Williamson, they would trade away Kawhi Leonard, Terance Mann, and draft compensation.
While this may be a great trade for both teams, the LA Clippers benefit significantly as they receive one of the league’s brightest superstars who needs a change. This is an excellent opportunity, as Williamson would thrive in the bright lights of LA. Not to mention Tyronn Lue and his coaching staff are the best of the best when it comes to utilizing young talent. This is the ideal scenario for a player of Williamson’s caliber.
Both teams find what they are looking for
For the LA Clippers, this trade with the New Orleans Pelicans will go down as one of the best in history. On top of being just 22 years old, Zion Williamson has already been selected to two all-star teams. This incredible accomplishment speaks of the type of career he is set to have.
The only con to trading for a player like Williamson is that he is very injury-prone, which only worsens the Clippers’ problems. Through four seasons in the NBA, the former first-overall pick has played a total of 114 games. That is not a good look for the face of a franchise.
On the flip side, this injury concern may be tied to Williamson desperately needing a change of scenery. LA is where he needs to be as Steve Ballmer, and the entire organization will welcome him with open arms.
Furthermore, in Williamson’s best season, he averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting above 60% from the field. These numbers are spectacular, as they also display what he is capable of when healthy. This also adds to why this trade is a risk worth taking for the LA Clippers.
Conversely, for the Pelicans, they will be set free from Williamson’s comfortable contract. They will also receive Kawhi Leonard, who will lead them to a deep postseason run next to Brandon Ingram. Additionally, the Pelicans will find themselves with Terance Mann, one of the best role players in the NBA. If that weren’t enough, they would receive draft compensation which could help keep their young talent intact over the next few seasons.