The Los Angeles Clippers knew that this season wouldn’t exactly be easy after losing Paul George in free agency and not replacing him with another big-name star. Kawhi Leonard has not played a game yet and it has been mainly up to James Harden and Norman Powell to keep the ship steered in the right direction as a result. They have done decently well, holding a 14-12 record with a chance to keep in a playoff spot.
However, it is quite obvious the team isn’t built to handle the postseason or matchups against more talented teams and the Clippers might have to shuffle their squad to try to acquire a top trade target. It won’t be easy for the Clippers to move players since their assets aren’t the most desirable but there are some targets they could focus on. We have provided a list of players the Clippers could acquire: a dream target, a realistic one, an unrealistic one, and an alternative trade.
Dream Target – LaMelo Ball
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: LaMelo Ball
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Norman Powell, Bones Hyland, Terance Mann, Kevin Porter Jr, 2031 First-Round Pick
The Los Angeles Clippers acquiring LaMelo Ball would be a blockbuster move that instantly elevates their championship hopes. Ball is currently having the best season of his career, averaging 31.1 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 35.6% from beyond the arc.
His ability to score, facilitate, and operate as a dynamic playmaker would make him the perfect fit alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Ball’s youth and versatility would also provide the Clippers with a long-term cornerstone, a significant asset for a franchise lacking high-end young talent.
However, the likelihood of this trade materializing is incredibly slim unless Ball himself requests a move to Los Angeles. The Charlotte Hornets view him as their franchise player, and his recent breakout only strengthens their resolve to keep him.
For the Hornets to even consider trading Ball, the Clippers would need to offer a monumental package that would mortgage their future. Norman Powell, Bones Hyland, Terance Mann, Kevin Porter Jr., and a future first-round pick are solid pieces, but it’s doubtful they’d be enough to pry LaMelo from Charlotte.
Even if Ball were to request a trade, the Clippers would face stiff competition from other suitors with stronger asset pools. While it’s unlikely, it’s a scenario the Clippers should keep in mind should circumstances shift in their favor.
Realistic Target – Julius Randle
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Julius Randle
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Norman Powell, Nicolas Batum, 2031 First-Round Pick
Julius Randle is a much more attainable target for the Clippers, as the Minnesota Timberwolves may be willing to part with him in their ongoing retooling process. Randle, averaging 20.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists this season, is a versatile power forward who could provide the Clippers with scoring, rebounding, and secondary playmaking.
For the Timberwolves, moving Randle for Norman Powell, Nicolas Batum, and a 2031 first-round pick aligns with their long-term strategy. Since trading Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota has pivoted towards a more defensive and youth-oriented approach.
Acquiring Powell would give them a proven scorer, while the first-round pick adds value to their draft capital, allowing them to focus on building for the future. Batum’s expiring contract could also create additional financial flexibility.
Randle’s presence would give the Clippers a more balanced offensive attack and help alleviate the scoring load on Leonard and Harden. This trade is a realistic scenario that strengthens both teams in the short and long term, making it a win-win for both franchises.
Unrealistic Target – Zach LaVine
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Norman Powell, P.J. Tucker, Terance Mann, Amir Coffey
Zach LaVine is undoubtedly a high-impact player, but the financial and logistical challenges surrounding a potential trade make him an unrealistic target for the Clippers. LaVine is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season, showcasing his ability to score at all three levels.
The problem, however, lies in the financial implications of acquiring LaVine. With LaVine on a maximum contract and the Clippers already deep into the luxury tax, fitting his salary onto the roster would require significant sacrifices. The proposed trade package lacks the star power or draft capital to entice the Bulls, especially since Chicago is likely to demand a younger cornerstone or multiple first-round picks in return.
Moreover, Powell’s strong play this season, where he’s averaging 23.2 points on over 47% three-point shooting, makes it difficult to justify moving him unless the Clippers are getting a surefire superstar. While LaVine is an attractive target, the combination of financial hurdles and Chicago’s high asking price makes this scenario highly improbable.
Alternative Target – Marcus Smart
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Marcus Smart
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Terance Mann, Bones Hyland, 2031 First-Round Pick
Marcus Smart is an intriguing alternative for the Clippers, offering a blend of defensive toughness, leadership, and complementary playmaking. Smart is averaging 9.3 points and 4.0 assists per game this season, proving he can still impact both ends of the floor at a high level. Smart’s willingness to take on the toughest defensive assignments would make him a valuable addition alongside Harden and Leonard.
For the Memphis Grizzlies, moving Smart for Terance Mann, Bones Hyland, and a first-round pick could be appealing if they decide to retool their roster. Hyland and Mann both have upside as young players, and the first-round pick provides additional draft capital for Memphis to build around.
While Smart has been a key figure for the Grizzlies, their crowded backcourt could make him expendable if the right offer comes along. For the Clippers, adding Smart would improve their two-way play and inject a championship mentality into their roster. As a more attainable target, Smart represents a practical option for the Clippers to enhance their roster without sacrificing their core pieces.
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