Since opening night, head coach Tyronn Lue and the LA Clippers have tried nearly every strategy to hide the backup center position. When starting big man Ivica Zubac takes a seat, Lue looks to the veteran forward, Nicolas Batum, to hold the fort down for the time being.
This method works against some teams, but others expose the Clippers’ interior defense. Contenders like the Lakers, with Anthony Davis, and Nuggets, with Nikola Jokic, take advantage of the missing force behind Zubac.
Although few teams can truly initiate command when Zubac is off the court, the front office sensed they had to find better before the trade deadline.
Earlier today, news broke around the Clippers and Utah Jazz. Executive Lawrence Frank pulled off a trade that gave Lue a backup center in Drew Eubanks and a veteran guard in Patty Mills.
Conversely, the Clippers packaged forward P.J. Tucker, center Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick, and cash to Utah.
The Clippers found a trade partner and escalated toward what the active rotation needed.
Although additional moves will likely take place, the LA Clippers needed more bench depth and landed two players who will help in the coming months.
Drew Eubanks, who has previously proven himself on different teams, is the most significant portion of the Clippers’ return. He is a young, athletic, experienced center who can score efficiently and protect the rim.
In 37 games for Utah, Eubanks posted 5.8 points and 4.5 rebounds on a field goal percentage of 60.7 in 15.4 minutes.
Additionally, his contract favors the Clippers, as the second year of his deal is not guaranteed.
Furthermore, the Clippers also acquired Patty Mills, a veteran guard and former teammate of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
Although he only averaged 4.4 points in 15.3 minutes for the Jazz, Mills could play better on a different team.
On top of landing two experienced players, the Clippers navigated to their destination by trading away reserves P.J. Tucker and Mo Bamba.
In Detail, Tucker has been listed on the injury report since the opener against Phoenix, as he was fined last February for his public request. He has not played this season, adding to why it was a goal to trade him away.
Moreover, Bamba was on the trade block due to his lack of impact. He did not pan out to LA's hopes, and Lawrence Frank replaced him ahead of the cut-off.
Trade Grade: A-
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