Per Mike Scotto of ‘HoopsHype,’ an LA Clippers’ panic-trade was in the works. Scotto reported that the Clippers and Sacramento Kings were discussing an exchange of DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis for John Collins and a salary filler, such as Chris Paul, who is on the veteran minimum. The conversation reached a dead-end as LA won 11 over a 13-game stretch, yet Lawrence Frank should re-dial the Kings’ line to conclude unfinished business.
Furthermore, DeRozan and Ellis' weaknesses in the 14th seed have led to an uneven perception of both. Hence, calls may still be accepted, as neither player has helped remove complacency from the Kings' royalty.
This provides reassurance to Lawrence Frank and the Clippers’ front office, as he knows that whenever he is ready, the Kings will pick up, and the two parties can resume where they left off towards a massive, blockbuster deal.
Keon Ellis and DeMar DeRozan on the Clippers would cement the Clippers as contenders
Remember when Sam Amick reported the LA Clippers were interested in DeMar DeRozan near the end of November? Well, Mike Scotto’s latest intel confirms that talks were indeed in progress.
The Clippers were right to forego talks, as the addition of DeRozan and Ellis at a low point could have compounded their mistakes.
However, at a high point of a record that is 17-23, Lawrence Frank should pursue the coveted Ellis, who just turned 26, and DeRozan, one of the best scoring wings on the market.
Suppose just Kris Dunn is enough for Tyronn Lue to play a containment-style defense. Imagine how lethal the Clippers would be if his prototype, Ellis, shared the backcourt. The four-year member of the Kings is currently one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA, averaging 5.3 points, shooting 35.7% from a distance.
Then, you add DeRozan to the starting five, and the Clippers are stacked. The LA native could simply be the bridge to Lue’s offense, with averages of 19.1 points over this season’s 41 games, fusing everything James Harden and Kawhi Leonard do on all three levels.
John Collins’ loss may hurt, but the Clippers would be using the sell-high method. It is uncertain whether his hot streak will sustain, so to play it safe, Frank should pick up the phone and call the team within a road trip’s reach.
That said, coasting in a comfort zone is where the Clippers will go wrong. Though greatness has transpired, the front office should always be striving for improvement, and it could lie in Ellis and DeRozan with the struggling, 11-30 Kings.