In the process of trying to win every game they come by, the LA Clippers, particularly their front office, should be scouting for talent to acquire in the summer. This is a smart way to improve, especially if a player who is on a discounted deal pops off against them.
Sunday evening, against the Milwaukee Bucks, Gary Trent Jr., a 27-year-old veteran wing, stole the show. He gave the Clippers the best run for their money as he could with 36 points in 37 minutes, shooting 12-21 from the field and 9-15 from three-point land.
Though the Clippers won by 14, Trent Jr. is someone who should be pursued in the summer. He does have a player option for next season, but because it’s only valued at $3.8 million, he may decline under the impression that he could earn more elsewhere.
This is the mindset to have, and he showed the Clippers in one game why he would be a perfect fit for their younger system.
Gary Trent Jr. off the bench is a dream that could come true for the Clippers
For years, the LA Clippers’ fanbase has been begging the front office to somehow secure Gary Trent Jr. He’s legitimately one of the most electric, role-playing scorers in the NBA, and he has so many benefits that he could offer to the Clippers.
In 62 games, Trent Jr. has averaged 8.2 points, shooting just under 37% from beyond the arc.
This may not be eye-opening, understandably so. But he deserves the benefit of the doubt. Trent Jr. is in an awkward situation with the Milwaukee Bucks, whose rotation is jumbled up in various ways.
If you look at most of Trent Jr.’s seasons before, he’s been pretty much elite from three; his career percentage sits at 38.8% on 6.1 attempts.
Now, assuming the Clippers add this type of production to their bench, they instantly become elite. He does exactly what Tyronn Lue wants in terms of spacing, off-ball movement, and selflessness.
And, when Lue would need him to step up, he could, with a proven track record of doing it before, just like he did versus the Clippers.
Trent Jr. is the ideal add. He may also consider signing for a bargain if the Clippers piece together a deep playoff run and convince him that his talents would position the team to run it back once more.