The LA Clippers have plenty of facts to read directly off the wall. But the one in big, bold lettering is that the front office must shake things up at the trade deadline, as the current roster's chance to contend is virtually zero.
For now, the front office may be in denial about the Clippers' chances of winning a seven-game series, given the team's condition. Yet, to have a proper approach at the trade deadline, they must provide a simple response to a complex question: how does LA see itself as a threat in the Western Conference, given the six-game and three-game losing streaks in its background this season?
Thus, fans want to see a heavily renovated roster at the deadline built around the many great things James Harden does on the basketball court.
The LA Clippers have an unserious supporting cast around their superstars
The LA Clippers will be forced to multi-task at the trade deadline as both buyers and sellers, as their plan must be to listen to every offer, propose as many as possible, and accept the ones where the shoe fits.
The way they sell will be key, as by then, the anticipation is that the front office will be in panic mode. Everything but a superstar point guard is a need, including the possibility of a blockbuster deal surrounding Kawhi Leonard if Lawrence Frank values the short- and long-term benefits of the return.
Ivica Zubac also does not have much job security, even as LA's most notable asset, as there is no telling what the Clippers will agree to, especially if they have lost more than they can comprehend in February, and are desperate for the light of day.
Moreover, Frank could buy and sell at the same time, in swapping a massive haul, with another panicking team like the Dallas Mavericks. Their disappointment this season has been on a similar scale to the Clippers', and with Kyrie Irving returning soon, Dallas may hope to end the regular season on a push for the play-in tournament.
Dallas may also want their first-overall pick, Cooper Flagg, to gain some postseason experience, and there would be no better opportunity than to earn it as a rookie.
That said, the Clippers need to surround James Harden with a far more serious system than what he has been given. He needs youthful winners, and the trade deadline will be the best opportunity to achieve their goals of revamping.