The LA Clippers have put in a lot of work over the course of the last month to ensure their team stays competitive next season. Paul George leaving Los Angeles was a major blow to this group's championship hopes, but the fact that they still have Kawhi Leonard means they will theoretically always have a chance to make a deep playoff run.
So with that in mind, the Clippers were never going to enter a rebuild or accept taking a step back. They knew that with the proper changes, this team could go right back to being a formidable Western Conference playoff contender.
As of right now, it appears that is exactly what the front office has pulled off. The star power of Paul George is gone, but depth, defense and versatility have taken his place. Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Nic Batum and others will play a big part in making sure this team is right back with the best of them in the West as the Clippers prepare to begin a new era at the Intuit Dome.
All indicators are that management feels comfortable with the current state of the roster, and will likely not make any major additions before the start of the season. But if they get an offer they can not turn down, we could still see some roster shakeup. Bleacher Report recently devised a trade wherein the Clippers would acquire Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Would the Clippers agree to this trade?
This would of course be a blockbuster deal that would massively change the outlook of the Western Conference standings. The Clippers are still in need of an additional frontcourt player, even if they are not actually pursuing one. Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the most coveted big men in the association, and bringing him to LA would certainly level up the Clippers' chances of winning a championship.
KAT's shooting prowess would do wonders for floor spacing, while giving Kawhi Leonard another co-star. It also stands to reason that Towns' output would be maximized with a floor general like James Harden getting him the ball when he needs it. By all means, this is a wonderful basketball fit. Now, the question comes down to what the Clippers would have to give up to make it happen.
This proposal has LA giving up sixth man Norman Powell, Kobe Brown, Bones Hyland, P.J. Tucker, as well as two draft picks. The first of which being their 2031 unprotected first-rounder, and the second being a 2031 second-round pick. In return, they get Towns straight up. This is a decent haul, but I think the Clippers would have to think very hard about going for it.
The West is likely only going to get better next season. The Clippers may be joyous about opening up a new arena, but the fans will be less than pleased if they do so in a season where the team misses the playoffs. Adding KAT to the mix would give LA more than enough star power to remain relevant, and the Clippers would not have to give up too much to make it happen. This trade earns a B grade, with the 2031 first-round pick being the only thing keeping it from being an A.
Grade: B