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.
3. Clippers get scorer as Jazz continue to rebuild
There are some questions about Collin Sexton’s health, but those do not exist about his scoring ability. For four straight years, he has averaged over 20 points per 36 minutes, and the 6’1 guard had his most efficient scoring season of his career, despite being limited to just 48 games because of injuries.
This could be the best time to buy low on Sexton. He has played just 59 games over the last two seasons combined, and the 24-year-old has three years and $54.5 million remaining on his contract. Teams may be scared off by those numbers, and the Jazz are rumored to be shopping the talented scoring guard.
The Clippers are already down big on their gambles that Paul George and Kawhi Leonard will stay healthy in the playoffs. Does LA add a third player to that mix? The Clippers can cover for Sexton’s defensive weakness with their glut of wings, and the 24-year-old gives them some youth and scoring punch on a roster filled with veterans.
It is unclear what price Utah has set on Collin Sexton. Are they trying to get off his contract or do they view him as a long-term piece unless they can get a first-round pick in return? It feels like the Jazz want to offload his salary, which could open the door for the Clippers with Marcus Morris’ expiring contract.
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.
1. Clippers go star hunting to try to stay in contention
If the LA Clippers want to increase their title odds, they could go hunting for a third star, but they would have to act quickly. Zach LaVine is available and there are questions about his health, but finding a player that averages 25 points per game is not easy. Could the Clippers go all-in by adding LaVine?
The 6’5 guard is a straight bucket, but how well would he get along with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George? LaVine could carry the offense whenever the Clippers star duo needs a rest, and it would give LA one of the best offenses in the league.
The Clippers would have to pay a hefty price to acquire Zach LaVine, and they would be over the second tax apron, but it could be the move that helps them make a deep playoff run. LA would need health, which is still a scary thought for any member of the front office.
Will the LA Clippers trade Marcus Morris Sr. this summer? What moves does the front office make? Do they extend Kawhi Leonard and Paul George? It is a crucial offseason that fans won’t want to miss, so please stay tuned for all the latest.
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