In the next couple of weeks, countless credible names have reported that a trade is likely to go down for the LA Clippers. There are a ton of specifics and evident signs that LA wants to add to the roster, but Sam Amick of ‘The Athletic’ noted LA wants an ‘impact player.’ This implies the front office is building towards something, yet the team is old and without quality, first-round capital.
There is no single trade the Clippers can make with the push of a button that will make them a threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They can land a player that increases LA’s play-in potential, but to battle with the Thunder, a lot more has to happen, and the first step is to get younger.
Thus, the Clippers need a splash of cold water in the face that will simmer their mindsets back down to reality. Though Amick’s report seems valid, LA is far from the top of the competition bracket and does not have time to spare.
The Clippers need a group of ‘impact players, ’ not just one
Sam Amick’s ‘impact player’ report hints the LA Clippers have a specific want and goal, yet who fits the description? Do they need to be an all-star? Average a certain number of points? Or have a future pointed upwards with minimal flaws on both ends of the court?
As there is essentially no single meaning of an ‘impact player,’ some names that carry weight are Michael Porter Jr. and DeMar DeRozan. They could each have an affordable price tag at the trade deadline and leave a positive impact on the Clippers.
Just based on age and playstyle, DeRozan would be the budget-friendly option. His age of 36 balances the versatile scoring he brings, which will allow Lawrence Frank to give up less and hopefully gain more.
Still, the option to shoot for the stars and go above and beyond will be evident for Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets.
However, the Clippers could find the ideal player who checks all the boxes and stays in the play-in tournament. This is the cold, hard, plain truth that cannot be escaped from this season.
That said, the Clippers could be eager to make moves that mask the team's flaws of limited picks and slow legs, but an inevitable realization regarding their chances with the Thunder will transpire if an ‘impact player’ is acquired.