4 Marcus Morris trades that make Clippers title contenders
By Tyler Watts
2. Clippers spent for Deandre Ayton as Suns get depth
The Suns are rumored to be shopping Ayton, and Marc Stein reported they got close to a deal with the Mavericks (subscription required) that featured Tim Hardaway Jr. and Richaun Holmes heading to Phoenix. That is not a massive return, but the Suns desperately need depth around Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Could the Clippers swoop in and make a deal with the two players they want to move? Norman Powell is a better wing scoring option than Tim Hardaway Jr. and Marcus Morris Sr. has proven he can play minutes at the five in the postseason. LA could offer a package arguably better than the Mavs.
The Clippers would likely have to put Ivica Zubac on the trade block after this deal, but it allows Ayton to get more touches when Kawhi and PG miss time. The former number-one overall pick wants to be more involved in the offense, and that opportunity could arise in Los Angeles.
Head coach Tyronn Lue could be the perfect coach to bring the best out of Deandre Ayton. He is a master tactician that puts his players in the best places to succeed.
This trade could accomplish two goals for the LA Clippers. It gets them closer to contention and allows them to move on from Marcus Morris Sr. and Norman Powell. Their spending issue would still exist, but the harshest penalties do not kick in until next season.