In the offseason, the LA Clippers’ aspirations were a lot different from what they are now. They need many more talents than just the few they added, and with a broader mind, Lawrence Frank can target some of the free agents who recently signed with their new teams as the December 15th deadline approaches.
Frank’s first, and most important call should be to the Dallas Mavericks, asking questions on Kyrie Irving.
Irving has not played a game this season due to the ACL he tore last March. Yet, the Mavericks saw a future with him, Anthony Davis, and first-overall pick Cooper Flagg, leading to a three-year, $118 million mutual agreement in the summer.
However, the Mavericks are struggling this season, and, as Anthony Davis is likely on their February 2026 trade block, Irving might be in line right after.
Thus, when Irving becomes eligible on the 15th of this month, the Clippers could inquire and propose a deal for the one-time champion, as he is their ideal target.
Kyrie Irving is the most ideal trade candidate the LA Clippers may be considering at the deadline
With an ACL injury, the Dallas Mavericks have not announced an official timeline for Kyrie Irving to debut this season. They are certainly anxious to see how he fits with Cooper Flagg, as they both have a history as first-overall picks from the Duke Men's basketball program, but a disruptor in their desired timeline could be the LA Clippers landing Irving.
Lawrence Frank would, of course, be fond of the sharpest, most precise handle of all time, joining his team. But a higher level of excitement, thrill, and enthusiasm would come from James Harden, his former teammate on the Brooklyn Nets.
Another run with Irving, and one that could end with a ring, will surely reignite the happiness that has been taken away from Harden this season through loads of drama, unnecessary losses, and injuries to two key teammates.
On the contrary, Harden’s joy and the 2016 championship run Irving had with Tyronn Lue are just behind his efficient scoring as to why he would be such a perfect fit on the Clippers. He averaged 24.7 points while shooting 47.3% from the field through 50 games last season.
That said, it is like Irving is meant to be a Clipper. In six days, and counting, Frank can and should pull through with a genius blockbuster trade for the veteran guard.