Grade the trade: Clippers exchange Westbrook for young stud in proposal

The LA Clippers are still in the process of re-shaping their roster for next season. After losing Paul George to the 76ers in free agency, a lot of roster needs appeared overnight, and the front office has been fighting tooth and nail to bring in players that will allow this team to remain a contender in the Western Conference as they look to move into a new arena next season.

It has been far from an easy task, but Clippers management has done a very solid job of re-structuring the roster and signing free agents to address specific needs. With the current state of the roster, LA has an abundance of ball-handling point guards, which even further supports the thought that Russell Westbrook will not be a part of this team for much longer.

Multiple teams have shown interest in acquiring the future hall-of-famer. Though he is past his prime in this stage of his career, Westbrook has shown he can still be a meaningful contributor in the right situation.

One team that could provide such a situation is the Golden State Warriors. Bleacher Report recently imagined a trade that would see the Clippers sending Russ north to The Bay in exchange for Moses Moody.

Would the Clippers agree to this trade?

The Clippers first acquired Westbrook following the 2023 trade deadline. He had just finished up a stint with the Lakers that could be best described as shaky at best, and his value was arguably as low as it had ever been.

Taking a chance on him, the Clippers got Russ for a low price and inserted him into their starting lineup, where his skills immediately shined. But when LA made their trade for James Harden in October 2023, Westbrook was forced back to the bench where he struggled once again.

It is clear that situation is very important for Russ' success at this late stage of his career. In Golden State, he could be the high-energy point guard next to Stephen Curry the Warriors are in search of. For the Clippers, getting a young talent like Moses Moody would have to be seen as a win.

Moody has not been afforded the greatest opportunity in Golden State, but he would likely earn more playing time in Los Angeles than the 17.5 minutes per night he was playing last season. Moses would be able to provide solid defense and efficient spot-up shooting from day one. With the experience he already has under his belt, it would not be surprising to see Moody become a staple in the rotation quickly.

If this deal was on the table as a one-for-one swap in real life, it would be in the Clippers' best interests to accept.

Grade: B+