According to Jake Fischer of ‘The Stein Line,’ the LA Clippers are actually interested in Brandon Ingram from the Toronto Raptors in a trade package for Kawhi Leonard. At first glance, it seems odd, right? Why would they want a player that’s on a pretty lucrative deal, is not a legitimate playoff performer, and just turned 29, over someone like RJ Barrett, who has many more appealing characteristics? Well, Ingram lets the Clippers have the best of both worlds: postseason contention and a continued youth movement.
Barrett cannot offer that to the Clippers. In fact, acquiring him would probably set the Clippers back a few seasons, as they would need to keep building in order to get back to being a threat.
This is, of course, something the front office has reason to oppose, given that LA has been competitive in the Western Conference for over a decade.
Brandon Ingram, and more, is actually a good return for Kawhi Leonard
In addition to draft capital and a young player or two, like Gradey Dick or Collin Murray-Boyles, landing Brandon Ingram for the current face of the franchise, Kawhi Leonard, from the Toronto Raptors is not half bad, contrary to popular belief.
Ingram is fresh off the second All-Star season of his career, where he averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, shooting 47.7% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc through 77 games.
These numbers present the Clippers with a strong sample size of availability, which has been an issue over the years, and efficient three-level scoring.
Now, if you put Ingram on the Clippers, he fits like a glove next to Darius Garland under Tyronn Lue. These two would make a great duo, particularly on offense, as they complement each other very well.
In fact, as long as Ingram and Garland are in LA, there will never be a shortage of scoring or playmaking.
Regarding the continued youth movement, with Ingram, the Clippers can focus on developing players like Keaton Wagler, Baba Miller, Kobe Sanders, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser, while still winning.
No one else on the Raptors, whom the Clippers can realistically obtain, can do the same.
That said, it’s understandable why the Clippers are open to bringing Ingram back to LA, this time on the better side of town. He does exactly what they want, making him one of the most perfect options for the post-Leonard era.
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