For Lawrence Frank and the LA Clippers, a stretch of losses usually equals a trade coming soon. This is a must at this point, given how early in the season it is. Bradley Beal is unfortunately out for the year, and the front office does not own its first-round pick until 2030.
That means for the rest of this season, and three more, the Clippers have to be competing for nothing less than championships. They may have a better start next season and thereafter, but right now, the roster needs upgrades, as the first round of the next few drafts is a day the front office will not be looking forward to.
The LA Clippers have several appealing assets to offer teams in trade proposals
Even with health concerns and the fact that, after six games this season, he has already encountered two notable injuries, Kawhi Leonard still joins James Harden and Ivica Zubac as the three players who will not be let go at the trade deadline. They may all be appealing to opposing teams, but LA’s hesitancy will lead to an instant decline.
However, if a team offers something the Clippers need, like a lockdown wing or score-first shooting guard, Lawrence Frank will not even try to bargain, as he knows he is at a disadvantage, especially with eight losses in 11 games; Frank does not have the draft as a resource to help roster construction like most other executives in his position.
If Frank prefers to start where he could get the most return, he should immediately begin hosting calls for John Collins, the Clippers’ most valuable player, who is not deemed untouchable.
Despite Collins’ contract expiring in the upcoming summer, Frank could craft a proposal with just him and bring in someone, or multiple players, who will eliminate at least one of the Clippers’ struggles. This is because the Wake Forest product has an athletic, three-level scoring skill set at the four spot, that is averaging 11.9 points and five boards on 59.2% true shooting.
Additionally, the Clippers have many others, plus Bradley Beal, whose $5.4 million player option is approaching. Thus, he will be included whenever possible.
That said, if Frank prepares for trades now, by matching finances and seeing what works, it will come in clutch if the Clippers do not have any luck in winning games throughout the next several weeks. That way, there will still be hope that this season can be turned around.