The Los Angeles Clippers were victims of ridicule early on in the season, especially after they went on a five-game losing streak after acquiring James Harden in a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. Since then, a remarkable turnaround has seen them win 21 out of 27 games. They now sit fourth in the Western Conference, with a record of 24-13. Yet, they are still looking to strengthen their loaded roster with a wing or backup center.
NBA Rumors: Two Players the Clippers Could Trade For Before the Deadline
Clippers Trade Pieces
Bones Hyland is their most fungible trade token at the moment. Hyland still has one more year guaranteed on his rookie deal, and that might entice some lesser teams to trade a veteran piece for him. Brought over from the Nuggets after things went south between the player and the organization, Hyland initially showed flashes of his dynamic scoring ability. However, the Clippers opted to re-sign Russell Westbrook and then traded for yet another guard in Harden. Hyland’s lack of playing time isn’t a product of poor play, but more so a result of being buried in the depth chart behind established veterans.
Brandon Boston Jr. and Amir Coffey are two other names that could be attractive for rebuilding teams and are also on cap-friendly deals.
The Clippers have made it obvious that their goal is to win now. The draft is not a priority for them at the moment, as they have traded 12 of their picks, including six 1st rounders. Their 2030 1st round pick is the only one that they can still trade, and several teams will find that attractive, given the Clippers’ timeline. Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Harden are all at the tail end of their careers and chances are that the Clippers will be rebuilding in 2030.
Clippers Trade Targets
Jalen Smith has thrived in his small-time role in Indiana backing up Myles Turner. The 23-year-old is averaging 10.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in only 17.2 minutes per game. The Pacers may be enticed to part ways with Smith due to their plethora of frontcourt options which include Isaiah Jackson, Jarace Walker, and Obi Toppin.
A former Clipper and now Washington Wizard, Danilo Gallinari, needs a fresh start. The veteran has endured a turbulent period that saw him sign for the Celtics in 2022, tear his ACL for the second time just months later while representing the Italian national team, and then traded to the Wizards before he ever saw action in a Celtics uniform. Gallinari was a fan favorite and a key contributor for the Clippers in the 2018-19 season, averaging 19.8 points. Now 35, Gallinari is clearly past his peak, but his floor spacing ability, veteran leadership, and playoff experience are all qualities that the Clippers are looking for.
Help for the Playoffs
The Clippers will look to be active at the trade deadline, but financial constraints will limit the choices available to them. A veteran option like Gallinari knows the organization well and could help the team this year, or they could opt to go for a young player like Smith who could remain with the team for the foreseeable future. Health is the main concern for the Clippers and if they can steer clear of injuries to their star players, a deep postseason run is most certainly on the cards.
