It’s no secret that the L.A. Clippers are on the market for a star big man. With multiple names available ahead of the trade deadline, one has stood out in particular as a potential target: Steven Adams of the OKC Thunder. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the team will look his way to try and fill some of their needs.
What if, instead, the Clippers turned their attention to the Thunder and Adams?
“That makes a lot more sense,” the second former executive agreed. “He’s everything the Clippers would need for the playoffs. If the Thunder got Harrell, they’d still be competitive.”
The Thunder went into the season open-minded about their future after acquiring Chris Paul from the Rockets and Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Clippers. They’re still interested in hearing what teams are willing to offer before the trade deadline, but their 23-19 record should be enough to carry them into the playoffs, a stunning accomplishment after trading away Russell Westbrook and George.
With Paul George and Kawhi, the Clippers have a core that can compete with anyone. But with a significant weakness at the center position, their ability to battle down low with some of the West’s best big man is compromised.
Steven Adams, who is averaging 11.6 points and 9.9 rebounds, could be the solution they’ve been looking for.
