Grade the trade: Clippers shockingly land Trae Young in wild proposal

Would the LA Clippers make this trade for Trae Young?

The Clippers have a massive hole at point guard. Russell Westbrook filled it after being bought out in February. He is back in Los Angeles, but best suited for a backup role at this point in his career. Trae Young is a superior shooter, ball-handler, and playmaker, which could help the Clippers get into serious title contention.

Ivica Zubac and Terance Mann are LA’s only two nightly rotation players who are under 30 years old. This is an aging roster that desperately needs young talent. Trae Young is only 25 and should be an All-Star for the next decade.

Grade: A

The Clippers will not do better. They are keeping their second-round picks and pick swaps, but still acquiring an All-Star point guard. This deal allows them to retain Mann and their two superstars as well. It is a cheap price to pay for one of the best offensive point guards in the game.

The deal avoids an A-plus because of Trae Young’s defensive concerns. LA will have an unstoppable offense when Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are healthy, but can they get enough stops to make a deep playoff run? This is a trade worth accepting, even if the answer is no.

Will the LA Clippers acquire a third star before February’s trade deadline? It is something to watch closely, so stay tuned.

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