4 Marcus Morris trades that make Clippers title contenders
By Tyler Watts
The LA Clippers nearly traded Marcus Morris Sr. to the Celtics, but Malcolm Brogdon’s health nixed that deal. Marc Stein reported the front office is still shopping (subscription required) the 6’8 forward, and it feels like he will not be back in Los Angeles next season.
Morris Sr. had a down year, and it was another disappointing campaign for the Clippers with injuries derailing things. It feels like they are at a crossroads as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George enter the final season of their contracts. Will the Clippers try to push their chips in for another run or try to get their spending down under the new second tax apron?
They let Eric Gordon head into free agency, but the front office has to make moves if they want to have a legitimate chance at contending. The Clippers need a point guard, but can they find someone that helps push them to the next level? Getting Kawhi and PG healthy would do that, despite the odds. Can LA acquire more help in the trade market?
Marcus Morris trades that make LA Clippers title contenders
4. Clippers swap 1st round pick for veteran PG
The Nets have rebuffed every offer for Mikal Bridges, but they need to pay restricted free agent Cameron Johnson this summer. With multiple teams expected to bid, Brooklyn will likely have to trim some salaries as they look to clear their glut on the wing.
The Nets should be opportunistic this summer. Pick up more draft capital and position themselves to add a star player. That way if Bridges blossoms, Brooklyn can quickly jump back into contention.
The Nets pick up a potentially valuable 2028 first-round draft pick as the Clippers take Spencer Dinwiddie. The 6’5 guard helped the Mavericks reach the conference finals in 2022, and he can run the offense. It gives LA another valuable scorer that can take over when Kawhi and PG are out of the lineup.
Are the Clippers committed to chasing a championship? Injuries have burnt them since Leonard and George arrived in 2019. Pushing all-in given their history won’t be easy, but LA has the talent if they choose that path.