In the LA Clippers’ call log, if scrolled down a bit, are the Utah Jazz, who acquired P.J. Tucker last season. Though often forgotten, this move was crucial; they are considered longtime friends among NBA teams who could help the Clippers again with Svi Mykhailiuk.
However, Tucker and the fact that Utah is only a state over in terms of distance are not the only reasons these two teams are closely connected. They helped facilitate deals on Russell Westbrook and, more importantly, worked on a three-team deal for John Collins, which has helped the Clippers tremendously over their recent 15-3 stretch.
Thus, the two parties should add another deal to the list, and the Clippers should promise Utah they will always be a reliable friend for future trades or buyouts.
Svi Mykhailiuk would be an excellent bench addition for the Clippers
A Kansas Basketball product, earning under five million annually for the rest of his contract, and a team-option in 2027-28 would work for the LA Clippers like a charm, but that is not all; Svi Mykhailiuk is shooting 47.6% from the field, 38.6% from a distance, and 91.3% from the charity stripe.
There is also volume here, and some solid averages, as Mykhailiuk is averaging 8.9 points on 6.9 total attempts(4.5 from beyond the arc).
To the common eye, he may not be able to be bought low. He seems like one of the Utah Jazz’s most valuable pieces, and even has a championship under his belt.
On the contrary, targets from the Jazz on the Clippers’ radar should never be officially counted out. Why does this apply to Mykhailiuk in particular? Well, he is only 28, the same age as John Collins, which contradicts the path their front office may be looking into.
Thus, it is certainly realistic for the Clippers to trade Chris Paul and Kobe Brown, if the Jazz would like, for developmental purposes, in return for Mykhailiuk.
Brown may be a keeper for them, but so could Paul if they agree that a buyout is not the best option, as Utah’s fifth overall pick, Ace Bailey, could use the knowledge and ropes shown by one of the greatest point guards in history.
That said, the Clippers should dial the current 13th seed in the Western Conference and try to make the most of the upcoming deadline by acquiring one of the best wings fit for their roster.