The LA Clippers, and primarily Tyronn Lue, tried their best to believe Bradley Beal was a Norman Powell clone who could defend. Lue even said it openly, and along with that, not aging well, the three-time All-Star unfortunately just fractured his hip, preventing him from finishing the season. Thus, the Clippers have one option to overcome this tragedy: trade for a two-way guard.
The Clippers needed this prototype in their starting lineup when Beal was present, as his offense did not just keep LA in place but pushed them backward. In fact, in six games, he averaged 8.2 points, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 rebounds, shooting 37.5% from the floor.
Yet, with him out and likely not even returning next season, the Clippers need a reliable veteran, proven enough to save the team this season and next.
The LA Clippers’ dream two-way guard could just end up being Jrue Holiday
The LA Clippers’ eight losses are not excusable by any means, but they do have a new look team, and will end up getting things together. On the contrary, Bradley Beal’s minutes in six games just capitalized on the importance of a defensive-minded starting shooting guard that could efficiently score, which was not the former All-NBA guard, no matter how much the coaching staff convinced themselves he was.
Moreover, the Clippers may have a goal in mind when seeking a trade to land someone who is not too old. Yet the front office lacks a pool of options, leaving Jrue Holiday as a realistic acquisition.
While he is on an extra-large contract of a fully guaranteed $34.2 million this season, $34.8 million next season, and $37.2 million (player option) in 2027-28, the Clippers could send Portland John Collins and Beal for the two-time NBA champion.
Holiday is 35, which makes the Clippers older, yet he is averaging 17.0 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds this season, shooting 44.6% from the field and 35.9% from the distance line.
He also left a good impression on the Clippers’ front office when he faced them this season, on October 26th, scoring 21 points, dishing seven assists, and grabbing six rebounds in 34 minutes.
That said, the Clippers’ one option to navigate around Beal’s devastating injury is to trade for the player he was supposed to be at the start of the regular season. This will help the starting lineup and make James Harden’s life easier.