Amid the most chaotic deadline in NBA history, the Western Conference is changing drastically in front of the LA Clippers’ eyes. Stars are finding new homes within the conference, and others are coming from the East, making the West even more competitive.
Furthermore, the first major deal involved the Clippers’ cross-town rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. They gave up Anthony Davis for the Mavericks’ icon, Luka Dončić, in a three-team deal.
The next day, Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox was sent to the destination of his choice, the San Antonio Spurs. The Chicago Bulls were brought into the discussion as they shipped Zach LaVine to Sacramento as part of another three-team package.
The most recent and predictable surrounded Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. After multiple suspensions and weeks of rumors, Butler was the key piece in a four-team trade between the Heat, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, and Utah Jazz.
Andrew Wiggins, a former all-star and NBA champion, was dealt to Miami along with P.J. Tucker and a 2025 protected first-round pick.
Detroit landed Lindy Waters and Josh Richardson, while the Jazz agreed to receive Dennis Schroder.
Given the Warriors’ addition of Jimmy Butler, the LA Clippers could be forced to find another star to pair with franchise centerpieces Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
The LA Clippers must do their research and inquire about stars around the league that suit their price range.
As three divisional rivals made prominent trades, the LA Clippers may have to consider making premiere scoring threat Norman Powell available. This will be determined based on the return for executive Lawrence Frank.
Moreover, as Butler immediately signed a two-year extension with Golden State, the hot seat on the market has been assumed by the one-time all-star Brandon Ingram.
This season, Ingram has averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, with a true shooting percentage of 56.0. These numbers have been recorded through 18 games for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Although Powell has helped shape the Clippers’ high seeding this season, trading him to New Orleans for Ingram is a call Frank must accept. This demonstrates the business behind the game, as Powell holds space in the heart of Clipper Nation.
That said, the Clippers are in the midst of all the action within the Western Conference. Their best resort is to acquire a talent like Ingram and surpass the Warriors, Lakers, Spurs, Mavericks, and Kings.