The Clippers have been on a massive hot streak recently, winning 7 out of their last 8. They have ascended to 3rd seed in the conference. At 32-15, they are only 1 game back of the 1st seed T-Wolves and Thunder. They are one of the best teams in the NBA. However, like every team, they have a few weak points to be shored up. Their rivals at the top of the NBA are getting better this trade deadline. In order for the Clippers to keep pace, they must make some moves to improve the team. Here are 3 Clippers trade deadline goals.
Clippers Trade Deadline Overview
Deadline Goal #1: Acquire a replacement for Bones Hyland
There’s no way around it. Bones Hyland has been awful this year. He is averaging career lows in every measurable statistic. He is averaging just 6.2 PPG to his career average of 10.2 PPG. His efficiency is down and his defense has been questionable at best. He is currently rocking a -0.2 WS, casting him as a heavily negative player despite his limited playtime. You might not think a 3rd-stringer is incredibly important. However, Bones has played poorly enough that the starters and second-stringers have to be redeployed to maintain leads in otherwise blowout games. For example, during Wednesday’s win against the Wizards, Hyland checked in with 5:27 left in the 4th. The score was 120-91. Before the game was over, the Clippers were outscored 5-18. Luckily, this didn’t end up mattering for the result of the game(a 125-109 W). However, Bones has been a liability in crunch time and they need a more dependable option to lead the deep bench.
Deadline Goal #2: Acquire a reliable temporary replacement for Ivica Zubac
Ivica Zubac has been amazing for the Clippers this year. The arrival of James Harden has unlocked him. He is averaging career highs in PPG and RPG. However, there has been recent bad news. Zubac was recently declared out for weeks with a calf injury. His replacements, Daniel Theis and Mason Plumlee, have been mediocre at best(outside of one amazing Theis game vs. Boston). For example, Theis has only been averaging 6.4 PPG compared to Zubac’s 12.2 PPG. Meanwhile, Plumlee is averaging 6.5 PPG vs. Zubac’s numbers. Plumlee and Theis have been fine. However, in the event that Zubac’s injury keeps him out for longer than expected, the Clippers need more reliable replacements for Zubac. Their hot streak and conference ascendancy have been fueled by the eternally underrated Zubac. In order to keep the hot streak alive, they need to continue to get great scoring and defense from the center position.
Deadline Goal #3: Acquire a depth piece at the Forward Position
For the past few years, the Clippers have been defined by their superstar wings, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. They are the heart of the team. However, the team suffers greatly when they are on the bench. While it is normal to expect some level of drop-off when two MVP-caliber players are sitting on the bench, the Clippers bench players have been consistently letting their opponents back into the game, forcing Leonard and George back off the bench. This is an unsustainable situation for two stars who are not exactly known for their long-term durability. 6MOTY candidate Norman Powell has been awesome as an off-the-bench replacement for them, leading the second unit along with Russell Westbrook. However, it is a substantial drop off from him to players like Kobe Brown. The Clippers need to fortify the bench. The top playoff teams have deep, elite benches and the Clippers need to keep pace with them. Thus, there needs to be more depth behind George and Leonard.
The Clippers are having their most exciting season in years. They are on the hot streak of a lifetime, going 24-5 in their last 29 games. They united a group of 4 hometown heroes, Harden. Kawhi, PG, and Westbrook. They have gutted it out and turned a 3-7, 13th-place start into a 32-15, 3rd-place current standing. That comes with having the best record in the league since December 1st. The chance for the Clippers to finally break their decades-long title drought has never been greater. However, the Clippers cannot become complacent. By accomplishing these Clippers trade deadline goals, they can fortify their team, shore up their weaknesses, and make sure that a title is in their future.
