While NBA Free Agency has been quiet over the last few weeks, the LA Clippers have had quite the offseason so far. Led by the surprise acquisitions of Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal, and Chris Paul, the Clippers strengthened their bench unit, a move that was necessary to compete in the Western Conference.
To solidify themselves as contenders, the Clippers brought in F/C John Collins while giving up Norman Powell. The move to give up Powell, LA's second-leading scorer while having the best year of his career, creates a hole in scoring options for the Clippers. While James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Beal, and Collins can be first or second options, it has been years since anyone has seen this.
Beal is coming off of one of his worst scoring seasons in his NBA career. This could be because he was a third option for the Phoenix Suns team, headlined by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, Beal is on the wrong side of 30, and his stats could be a sign of regression. Leonard has struggled with injuries since he arrived in LA, making the need for another player who can create their shot a top priority for the team.
Cam Thomas could be the true second option on a loaded Clippers team
Though it might be unrealistic, Cam Thomas is one of the most electric scorers in the NBA. For the past two seasons, Thomas has averaged over 20 points per game on the Brooklyn Nets. While the Nets were not competitive, Thomas looked good. He's a great three-point shooter, can shoot off the dribble, and brings defensive attention to himself. The best part? He is currently unsigned, with multiple reports saying he wants to be paid like a star.
With the second apron, the LA Clippers do not have star money to give out, but it makes a sign-and-trade probability a lot easier. The Nets drafted five guards in the first round of last month's NBA Draft, making Thomas's fit seem nonexistent. With that, and Brooklyn not being competitive with Thomas as the lead scorer, the trade value seems to be at its lowest point.
The contending Clippers and rebuilding Nets seem like a match made in heaven. To make this work, the Clippers would have to give up Bogdan Bogdanovic, some picks (most likely first and second round), and draft rights to Ismael Kamagate to sweeten the deal. In return, LA lands a high-volume scorer who has yet to prove he can put up the numbers on a competitive team.
Bogdanovic is set to make around $16 million this season, with a team option for next season. Brooklyn will surely enjoy the flexibility of his contract, with them most likely declining the option. Thomas and the Clippers would agree to a one-year, $16 million prove-it deal, which would still leave them with flexibility for next year's offseason.
Thomas has quietly been one of the most productive players in the NBA over the past few seasons, and if his price is genuinely as low as it seems, this could be a win-win for both sides. Brooklyn gains assets, the Clippers gain another scorer, and Cam Thomas gets to prove he can contribute to a winning team.