NBA Trade Deadline 2023 – what will the Los Angeles Clippers do?
With the NBA Trade Deadline approaching, the leaders of the 30 franchises are busy making the necessary transfers before the fateful date of February 9. Of course, each team’s situation is different, and it is precisely for this reason that we want make special deadline paper by franchise. Presenting issues, issues to watch, intentions in the transfer market… we explain it all to you. On the menu today, the Los Angeles Clippers.
Are the Clippers, rather buyers or sellers at the deadline?
Like the neighboring Lakers, the Clippers need reinforcements and rebalance of their workforce. If the ranking is far from disastrous (fifth in the West, 27 wins, 24 losses), we feel that this team lacks something to really aim higher. Having Kawhi Leonard and Paul George healthy and in uniform is a big plus, but there are mistakes that must be corrected on this roster.
A leader seems to be the research priority of Jerry West and his gang. A pivot with the ability to effectively outplay Ivica Zubac would not be denied either. Will the sailing franchise find satisfaction in the market at deadline time?
The Clippers player(s) that could be moved
Several boys have been mentioned in transfer rumors recently and things are likely to change in the next couple of weeks. In search of a titular leader, the Angelinos could logically make sacrifices John Wall and/or Reggie Jackson. The veteran is making a decent comeback in LA, not really bad but not as good as expected either. The guard with the binoculars was clearly on the tough side and he was far from the level to which he had accustomed us in recent times in California.
? The Clippers have made John Wall available on the market, but feedback has been mixed from other NBA franchises.
The Los Angeles franchise has a clear need for leadership, and neither Wall nor Reggie Jackson have provided assurance this season.
Average comeback for veteran. pic.twitter.com/om2qbN1Q85
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) January 23, 2023
In the wings, it also clogs and Robert Covington like at the end of the Clippers career. The name of Terence Mann also whispered in the ears of the insiders, even though LA is not hot to break up with it. Luke Kennard is also a name to remember. Still valuable at long range but targeted at defense, he doesn’t have an immunity totem.
? If necessary in a bigger trade, the Clippers could make Robert Covington, Luke Kennard and Reggie Jackson available.
Another youth was mentioned. Management will not skimp if a trade allows them to refine the wings and strengthen the lead. pic.twitter.com/FvnZtYIAGD
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) January 23, 2023
Players are coveted by the Clippers
As mentioned above, the recruitment of a strong and experienced leader seems to be the main mission of the board. One name came to the very top of the list: Mike Conley. The veteran is making his season with the Jazz but it’s clear he didn’t do well with the idea of a long-term rebuild in Salt Lake City. However, Danny Ainge can demand good value as usual and the Clippers don’t have much to offer in terms of draft picks. You have to be convincing. Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry are also names that have appeared in rumors recently. Two players who also check those boxes, and they have the upside to evolve with Kawhi Leonard.
? Mike Conley on the Clippers’ priority sights, also mentioned the Wolves.
Minnesota is unfortunately short on future picks because…already dealt with Utah this summer around the Rudy Gobert trade.
So did the Clippers, with the Paul George trade. messy pic.twitter.com/W6TiELkgpP
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) January 23, 2023
For the pivot position, the name of the Myles Turner was disputed at one point, before he took a tariff against Ivica – Wilt Chamberlain – Zubac. One Jakob Poeltl could be a more attainable target but again Spurs will be asking for either a youth or a draft bouboule to free up their interior. Another rumour: Mo Bamba on the Magic side or recover Isaiah Hartensteinwho excelled last season with the Clippers before heading to the Knicks in Free Agency.
