Amid analyzing all of the big men within the trade market, the LA Clippers should hand-pick those who are on expiring contracts. The money they earn is crucial and will be a factor, but acquiring someone in the last year of their term is relatively close to a prove-it year, as the player will have to work hard for an extension.
However, the Clippers have other criteria that must be met before Norman Powell and others are traded, including quality experience, three-point shooting, and a winning background that can translate to the postseason.
Not many guys possess these qualities, and the ones who do are typically closely guarded by their respective front offices. This is why the Clippers have had this hole for so long, but that could finally change this summer via trade.
Furthermore, the only player on the market who passes the Clippers’ evaluation is the Boston Celtics big man and 2024 NBA Champion, Kristaps Porziņģis. He is one of the most lethal shooting centers in the NBA, and possibly all time, which immediately fills a gap that LA currently has.
Nonetheless, putting aside all of his strengths and weaknesses, the main reason he should be pursued is because of his expiring deal.
The LA Clippers’ reason for trading with the Boston Celtics for Kristaps Porziņģis is surprising but could yield the desired results
The Boston Celtics may look to get rid of Kristaps Porziņģis this summer because of his annual salary and the consequences their front office will have to pay if they hold on, but his market value is low due to the injuries he has encountered.
This is his most significant flaw, which eliminates all his contributions on both sides of the ball, as availability is the best ability, and Porziņģis has played 65 games once since his sophomore season as a New York Knick.
Despite the risk he brings, the LA Clippers must understand that he will have to prove himself next season if he wants an extension in Inglewood, California, or if he would like a massive check next summer as a free agent.
Additionally, the Clippers will easily pull away with Porziņģis from TD Garden by trading Norman Powell and Drew Eubanks, whose contracts also time out after next season.
That said, targeting Porziņģis is valid, and executive Lawrence Frank should take his chances and do so given what is left on his contract and how much he can produce if he stays healthy.