Similarly to other franchises around the league, the trade deadline is a way for the LA Clippers to make the appropriate moves and cater to their championship cravings. As they hold moveable reserves, executive Lawrence Frank must come off as a buyer to prosper from each contract utilized by the Clippers' front office.
Other than veteran forward P.J. Tucker, the Clippers’ front office must finalize the futures of bench performers Bones Hyland, Mo Bamba, and Kevin Porter Jr. In return, Frank must obtain valuable talents that will aid head coach Tyronn Lue in the postseason.
Moreover, one of the NBA’s biggest sellers will be the New Orleans Pelicans. They have quickly faced the impact of the injury bug, which has led to their two-way drought in the Western Conference. Consequently, they will be looking to make the most of this season by reshaping their roster as much as possible.
Per Jake Fischer, an NBA reporter and insider, New Orleans will likely hold onto their core stars. This is what they believe is best for this season and the years ahead. However, their veteran wing, Javonte Green, may be moved at the deadline as teams are touching base on his availability.
The LA Clippers must find a way to acquire Javonte Green, a defensive-minded wing for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Pelicans wing Javonte Green is a clone copy of what the LA Clippers have been preaching all season. He brings a surgical level of hustle and defensive intensity, which has sprung as the Clippers' primary principal through Tyronn Lue and his staff.
Statistically, Green is averaging 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in 21.7 minutes for the Pelicans. He also shoots the ball at a productive 38.5% clip, adding to how easily he would fit into Lue’s rotation.
Furthermore, Green’s demeanor on the court is comparable to Kris Dunn, a guard for Lue and the Clippers. They each score upon opportunity, actively pursue loose balls, and are willing to lay their bodies on the line if it means forcing a turnover.
In addition, Green is on a friendly, expiring contract of $2.4 million. This would be a simple transaction, as the Clippers could send over Mo Bamba, who signed for $2.6 million in July.
That said, this trade is an even swap for both teams. The Pelicans receive a young center, and the Clippers gain another player who can impact their playoff rotation.