Following a postseason that ended early, the LA Clippers will be looking to make some major changes in the offseason. Whether that be at the guard, wing, or center position, the front office will be highly active on the trade market to acquire new talent.
Moreover, along with these changes are players who missed their window during the regular season. These players will be traded or let go for one of two reasons: too much talent at the same position or poor performances.
That said, here are three LA Clippers who will quickly be moved once the 2023 NBA season comes to an end.
3. Mason Plumlee
Although Mason Plumlee had a great run with the LA Clippers, the playoffs made it clear that he will not be returning next season. As good as he is offensively, the bench needs a center who can defend at a high level. Plumlee’s game is nearly the opposite, especially against some of the league’s best point guards.
Furthermore, the Phoenix Suns exposed Plumlee on the perimeter. The three-time all-star Devin Booker consistently got his way on the offensive end. This strategy drowned head coach Tyronn Lue’s game plan, despite what Russell Westbrook did on the offensive end.
Additionally, Plumlee is set to become a free agent this offseason. In that regard, he will probably receive a much higher offer from another contending team. This is perfect for both parties, as the Clippers’ front office will likely hold off on paying him more than ten million annually.
However, Plumlee’s offensive contributions should not be overlooked. He is phenomenal at the rim and has the unique ability to playmake at the center position. This is a luxury that not many teams find themselves with. The Clippers will let him walk primarily due to his fit on the team.
2. Marcus Morris Sr.
Since he joined the LA Clippers, Marcus Morris Sr. has been an integral part of the team’s success. His experience, quality shooting, and underdog mentality were some of the main reasons the Clippers made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2021.
Furthermore, Morris Sr. had the best season of his career in 2021. Not only did he average 13.4 points and 4.1 rebounds, but he shot the three-ball at a remarkable 47.3% on 5.2 attempts. These are historic numbers, ultimately proving how his time with the LA Clippers will go down in history.
Conversely, Morris Sr. also had the worst season of his career through 2022-23. He was a liability on defense, inefficient on offense, and struggled all season to find his rhythm at the three-point line. What’s more, head coach Tyronn Lue and the coaching staff gave him numerous chances to search for his shot, but he continued to disappoint.
On that note, Morris Sr. averaged 11.2 points and 4.0 rebounds during the 2022-23 regular season. While these numbers may not seem too bad, his body showed significant signs of slowing down, especially on the defensive end.
Typically after a season like this, players are moved elsewhere. As Morris Sr. is set to make over 17 million next season, the LA Clippers will place him on the trade block and shop for an experienced veteran.
One player that instantly comes to mind is the Kings’ backup center, Richuan Holmes. This would be a perfect swap for both teams as they each receive the type of player they are looking for. Additionally, each of these players will help guide their franchises toward competing for a championship.
1. Robert Covington
One of the best moves of the 2022 trade deadline was the LA Clippers acquiring Norman Powell and Robert Covington for a bargain. Covington, in particular, was the highlight of the trade due to his ability to thrive on the defensive end. In fact, the former Tennessee State star has a case to be the best on-ball defender in the NBA.
What’s even more impressive are his numbers since being traded to the Clippers last season. Through 23 games in 2022, Covington averaged 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting an absurd 45.0% from three on 4.7 attempts. If that isn’t crazy enough, he also managed to post 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks in just 22.1 minutes per game.
Based on these numbers, the average fan would assume that Covington would be with the LA Clippers long-term, especially if they are pursuing a title. Well, that is clearly not the case, as Covington did not play much of a role in 2023.
Furthermore, each time Covington stepped on the floor, it seemed good things would happen. He would deflect the ball and rack up steals, lock down some of the best offensive stars in the league, and consistently make shots on the offensive end. The only problem was that, for an unknown reason, his minutes were limited all season. In fact, there were stretches of multiple games where he would not see the floor.
This leaves no questions about his future with the team, as he will likely be moved in the offseason. In return, the Clippers will look for a high-quality center to come off the bench. This is perfect for LA, with Covington still at an all time high.