Realistic trade target could be the answer to all of Clippers' problems

Many thought the LA Clippers would be up the river without a paddle after Paul George chose to exit stage left. After all, he and Kawhi Leonard have been the backbone of this franchise for the last five seasons, and losing one half of your star duo is typically not a good sign of things to come.

But LA's front office was not unprepared for this outcome, and they promptly made follow-up signings that will help supplant the loss of George. Now, the Clippers are still well-suited to return to the playoffs in spring of 2025.

However, while they are still a likely playoff team, their championship odds are still significantly lower than before. It is apparent that the Clippers will still need one additional star player on their roster alongside Kawhi and James Harden in order to get back to the level of a true championship threat.

Bleacher Report recently produced a list comprising one "realistic" dream trade target for each NBA team. In the article written by Eric Pincus, Miles Bridges is listed as the ideal player for the Clippers to target.

Bleacher Report suggested Miles Bridges as a Clippers trade target

Truthfully, this is probably one of the most spot-on suggestions Bleacher Report could have made. When the Clippers lost Paul George, they suddenly had a lot less scoring power and defense on the wing. Signing Derrick Jones Jr. helped to address some of the defense, but the 22.6 points per game PG contributed still needs to be replaced in full.

That is where Bridges would come in. Miles averaged a career-high 21.0 points last season for the Charlotte Hornets, in part due to the absence of LaMelo Ball from the lineup for most of the year. He took on the challenge of being the team's 1A scorer alongside talented rookie Brandon Miller, and his numbers speak volumes about what he was able to do.

Miles found success scoring from all three levels, and was reliable in clutch situations throughout the season. If he brought that same versatile skillset to the Clippers, it would work wonders in terms of taking a load off the team's aging veterans. The only kicker in a potential trade involving the star wing would be his newly-signed contract.

Bridges agreed to an extension with the Hornets in July, meaning he can not be traded until January 15. We know the Clippers have already expressed interest in moving P.J. Tucker and Bones Hyland, and they could deal those players in order to acquire Miles without increasing their payroll by too much and incurring further financial penalties. However, Charlotte would almost certainly ask for a larger trade package as well.