The Los Angeles Clippers have proven that they’re a competitive team in the West despite the departure of Paul George in the summer. Despite using the summer of 2025 to shed cap space and sign role-players, it’s worked out perfectly for the Clippers who are 26-20 and a very competitive out on a nightly basis in the West. Now that they know they’re still a winning franchise, they should try to maximize what they can get from this season.
The Clippers aren’t far away from being a matchup nightmare for all the best teams in the NBA. They need minor improvements in certain positions, primarily backcourt defense and big-man depth. They can address both these needs in a clever three-team deal with the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors which sees the Grizz land a major upgrade as well while the Raptors receive assets.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Marcus Smart ($20.2 million), Chris Boucher ($10.8 million)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Kelly Olynyk ($12.8 million), Bones Hyland ($4.1 million), 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
Toronto Raptors Receive: P.J. Tucker ($11.5 million), Terance Mann ($11.4 million), 2026 Second-Round Pick (LAC), 2027 Second-Round Pick (ATL), 2031 Second-Round Pick (UTA)
This deal opens up long-term flexibility for the Raptors, helps the Grizzlies land a multi-positional frontcourt contributor, and gives the Clippers the margins they need across their rotation.
The Clippers Load Up
The Clippers are hoping to be a Playoff team this season, already owing their 2025 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder from a six-year-old trade for Paul George. Relying on a point guard like James Harden to be Kawhi Leonard’s co-star has paid off massively as Harden has increased the production of those around him with his magnetic playmaking. They need to further build around this formula by adding role-players to help them be more effective.
Marcus Smart is having a rough season for the Grizzlies, averaging 9.2 points and 1.3 steals per game. While his offense can’t be relied upon, Ty Lue couldn’t ask for a better perimeter defender to be added to the roster. He would be a great fit alongside Harden in the backcourt while providing some backup guard play as well alongside Norman Powell.
Chris Boucher is averaging 10.7 points and 4.4 rebounds for the Raptors. The expiring big man is expected to be on the market and will be a major addition to a Clippers team that doesn’t have any big men outside Ivica Zubac. Boucher is different stylistically, primarily as a rangier offensive threat with a jumper. While he can’t rebound or defend at Zubac’s level, he’s competent on that front and can be a dynamic offensive addition.
The Grizzlies Add An Offensive Contributor
The Grizzlies will not find it easy to move on from Marcus Smart and simplify their backcourt troubles. Relying on Desmond Bane or Jalen Wells in that situation will create a more balanced team while the Grizzlies can work to move off the additional season left on Smart’s contract by landing a player who can contribute right now.
Kelly Olynyk is averaging 7.0 points and 3.4 rebounds on 48.6% shooting from three. The big man will provide a nice offensive touch off the bench and be another option alongside Zach Edey in the frontcourt. While Olynyk provides great offense, Edey provides great defense with both struggling at the other skill. Jaren Jackson Jr. is the perfect four-man to bring their skill sets together regardless of lineup, while Edey and Olynyk could also share the floor together.
Opening up minutes for others while also creating additional contract space for the summer will be a major improvement. Bones Hyland is averaging 6.9 points but his expiring contract likely doesn’t get extended while he would be an end-of-the-bench option for the rest of the season.
The Raptors Land Assets
The Raptors aren’t looking to add wins to their record this season, hoping to hit big in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. The team has taken five years to break up their championship team from 2019 but has a bright future right now with interesting young players and future assets.
They can add even more by moving off two long-term afterthoughts and completing the 2019 teardown, with Boucher being the last-remaining Raptor from that era.
P.J. Tucker hasn’t played basketball in a year-and-a-half and will likely have his contract bought out immediately if moved. Terance Mann is a more interesting prospect. He is averaging 6.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, falling out of the rotation behind veteran guards like Harden and Kris Dunn being preferred. He still has an enticing two-way skill-set which often leads to players thriving in Toronto.
The four second-round picks will be a solid haul for two centers who won’t be a part of their long-term plans.
Are All 3 Teams Happy?
This move is clearly a win for the Clippers, as they’re equipped to help Smart be more impactful offensively within their system while maximizing his defensive strengths, Boucher won’t be a major contributor but the Clippers won’t look like a lottery team if Ivica Zubac misses any time with Boucher on the roster providing competent center play.
The Grizzlies could agitate for a stronger return but Smart as an asset isn’t very enticing right now with an additional year on his contract. Getting a contributor like Olynyk who also matches the toughness of the Grizzlies will be a solid return in this situation, with Smart’s departure potentially making way for an uptick in production from Bane or Wells.
The Raptors get assets for not doing much except re-route two players who are bound to be off the team within the next season anyway.
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