Through months of anticipation and hope, the LA Clippers found a team willing to take on veteran P.J. Tucker's contract. In fact, the partner, Utah Jazz, is a familiar face executive Lawrence Frank has previously done business with.
Sure, the Clippers had to include backup center Mo Bamba, a second-round pick, and cash, but the most important factor is that Tucker is off the roster. This move instantly moved the franchise under the luxury tax.
Moreover, Frank was highly praised for the trade he made with less than a week before the deadline. He got rid of Tucker’s costly contract and Bamba’s unplayable abilities while acquiring depth and more cap space. This was positive news for the Clipper fan base.
The depth LA added ties to 36-year-old Patty Mills and 28-year-old Drew Eubanks. These two, as veterans, will be expected to bring their strengths to the table towards a hopeful NBA Finals run from head coach Tyronn Lue.
The Los Angeles Clippers are trading PJ Tucker, Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick and cash to the Utah Jazz for Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills, sources tell me and @BobbyMarks42. pic.twitter.com/YOy5kIUd6z
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2025
Just after the trade occurred, fans immediately assumed the Clippers had arguably made the best trade of the deadline thus far.
Twelve hours later, the Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks completed one of the greatest deals in all of sports, which completely overshadowed the Clippers’ winning trade return.
The Clippers' four-player trade with the Utah Jazz has become mediocre due to the blockbuster news around NBA megastar Luka Dončić.
Although the LA Clippers’ trade for Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills was a great call from Lawrence Frank, the NBA community shifted their attention to a more prominent trade that included various superstars.
The Los Angeles Lakers received Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, where the Dallas Mavericks landed Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers first-round pick in 2029. The Jazz, as the third team, added Jalen Hood-Schifino and two 2025 second-round picks.
Yes, this is real. Sources tell ESPN: Full trade:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2025
- Lakers: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
- Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LAL 1st
- Jazz: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers 2nd, 2025 Mavericks 2nd https://t.co/bltojdTaQj
Furthermore, with how much the Clippers’ playoff rivals upgraded for now and in the future, Lawrence Frank should begin thinking about his next move. He must consider all facets, like draft picks, star potential, and quality assistance.
Additionally, when responding to whether there will be more trades, Marc Stein, an NBA insider, stated, “Both clubs, yes, have to be monitored for additional moves before Thursday's 3 PM ET trade deadline.”
That said, the Clippers must conduct the appropriate transactions if they plan to outlast the Lakers and Mavericks, two premiere contenders in the Western Conference.