The 2024 offseason has been a rollercoaster for the Los Angeles Clippers. After another season that fell short of expectations and an early playoff exit, the Clippers are scrambling to make significant changes. The biggest bombshell came when Paul George opted out and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving a gaping hole in their lineup but also freeing up some cap space.
In a bid to keep their championship hopes alive, the Clippers re-signed James Harden to a two-year deal worth $70 million and made several smaller moves, including signing Mo Bamba, Kris Dunn, and bringing back Nicolas Batum. Despite these additions, the team still faces uncertainty with Russell Westbrook’s future and the overall need to revamp their roster. With the clock ticking and their championship window closing, the Clippers need to explore all potential trade options to remain contenders in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
1. A Brand New Big Man With Kawhi
Clippers receive: Jarrett Allen
Cavaliers receive: Ivica Zubac, Terrance Mann, Bones Hyland
n this bold move, the Clippers aim to bolster their frontcourt by bringing in Jarrett Allen from the Cavaliers. Allen, a 6’11” center known for his defensive prowess and rebounding skills, would provide a significant upgrade in the paint. During the 2023-24 season, Allen averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting an impressive 63.4% from the field. His ability to protect the rim and grab rebounds would be a perfect fit for the Clippers’ needs.
The Cavaliers had a tumultuous postseason, being eliminated in the second round by the Boston Celtics. Allen missed critical games due to a rib injury, which led to frustration within the organization as some felt he should have pushed harder to play through the pain. This, coupled with the need to optimize their roster around Donovan Mitchell, who has just agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million extension, has led the Cavs to consider trading Allen. With Evan Mobley up for a max-level rookie extension, the Cavs might benefit from giving Mobley a larger role in the frontcourt, making Allen a valuable trade asset.
For the Clippers, acquiring Allen would solidify their interior defense and give them a formidable frontcourt presence alongside Kawhi Leonard. Allen’s defensive capabilities and rebounding prowess would complement Leonard’s versatility, making the Clippers a tougher team to score against. Additionally, Allen’s efficiency around the basket would provide the Clippers with a reliable scoring option in the paint, easing the offensive burden on Leonard.
The Clippers have struggled with consistency in their interior defense and rebounding, areas where Allen excels. Ivica Zubac has been solid, but Allen’s presence would elevate the Clippers’ defense to a new level. Allen’s shot-blocking and ability to alter shots in the paint would make it difficult for opponents to score inside. His rebounding would also help the Clippers secure more possessions, which is crucial for a team aiming to compete for a championship.
Allen’s offensive game, though not flashy, is highly efficient. He sets solid screens, rolls to the basket effectively, and is a reliable finisher around the rim. His presence would open up more scoring opportunities for the Clippers’ perimeter players, including Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. By drawing defenders into the paint, Allen would create more space on the perimeter, allowing the Clippers’ shooters to get cleaner looks.
Rumors have been swirling around Allen’s availability in the trade market. The Cavaliers are reportedly looking to reshuffle their roster, especially now that Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million extension. Brian Windhorst of ESPN mentioned on ‘The Hoop Collective’ podcast that the Cavs might look at trades for Allen to balance their roster and address other needs.
The Cavs’ decision to explore trades for Allen is also influenced by their desire to optimize the frontcourt pairing of Allen and Mobley. While they form one of the best defensive frontcourts in the East, there are questions about their fit and postseason viability. Mobley has the potential to unlock his ceiling by playing more at the center position, which would require moving Allen.
For the Clippers, adding Allen would be a strategic move to address their defensive shortcomings and enhance their rebounding. His presence would allow the Clippers to deploy a more versatile defensive scheme, with Allen anchoring the paint and Leonard guarding the perimeter. This combination would make it challenging for opponents to score, especially in crucial playoff matchups.
Moreover, Allen’s pick-and-roll game would mesh well with the Clippers’ offensive system. His ability to set wide screens and roll to the basket would create numerous scoring opportunities. With James Harden orchestrating the offense, the Clippers could exploit Allen’s skills as a lob threat and a finisher around the rim.
2. Marcus Smart Would Be A Great Addition
Clippers receive: Marcus Smart
Grizzlies receive: Norman Powell, Terrance Mann, Bones Hyland
Marcus Smart’s 2023-24 season with the Memphis Grizzlies was a challenging one. Acquired in a three-team trade that sent Tyus Jones to Washington, Smart’s arrival in Memphis was met with high expectations. However, the Grizzlies struggled significantly, finishing with a 27-55 record, the seventh-worst in the NBA, far below their projected win total of 46.5 games.
Smart, known for his tenacity and defensive prowess, was limited to just 20 games due to various injuries, including a significant right ring finger injury that sidelined him for six weeks. Despite his limited playing time, Smart averaged a career-best 14.5 points per game. His impact on the court was evident when he was healthy, but the Grizzlies’ season was marred by injuries to key players, including Ja Morant and Steven Adams, and off-court issues, which prevented the team from building any consistent momentum.
The Grizzlies’ season was further complicated by injuries to Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke, among others, which decimated their lineup and led to their disappointing finish. Despite the struggles, there were bright spots with young players like Vince Williams and rookie GG Jackson showing promise.
For the Clippers, acquiring Smart would bring in a versatile guard who can contribute on both ends of the floor. His defensive skills would significantly boost the Clippers’ perimeter defense, providing much-needed grit and toughness. Offensively, Smart’s ability to run the point and his improved shooting would complement Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, creating a more dynamic and balanced backcourt.
Smart’s leadership and experience in high-pressure situations would also be invaluable for the Clippers as they aim for a deep playoff run. His tenacity and defensive mindset align well with the Clippers’ needs, making him an ideal fit to help them contend in the competitive Western Conference.
3. Myles Turner Would Elevate The Clippers’ Defense
Clippers receive: Myles Turner
Pacers receive: Ivica Zubac, Terrance Mann, Bones Hyland
Myles Turner’s 2023-24 season with the Indiana Pacers was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Turner, the longest-tenured player on the Pacers, has been a cornerstone for the team, but constant trade rumors and team dynamics have been a source of frustration for him. Turner averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, showcasing his elite shot-blocking and defensive abilities that make him one of the top rim protectors in the league.
The Pacers had a surprisingly strong season, making it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in over a decade. Despite their impressive playoff run, they were ultimately outmatched by the top-seeded Boston Celtics. Turner played a crucial role throughout the season and the playoffs, especially in their victories against the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks. However, injuries to key players and the midseason addition of Pascal Siakam required Turner to adjust his role frequently, leading to some inconsistency in his performances.
Turner has expressed his desire for a more defined and impactful role, which has fueled speculation about his future with the Pacers. Although he has stated that he doesn’t want to be just a “glorified role player” and wants more opportunities to assert himself offensively, he remains committed to contributing to the team’s success.
For the Clippers, acquiring Turner would be a game-changer. His defensive prowess would significantly enhance their interior defense, providing a strong shot-blocking presence that the team currently lacks. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting would also add a new dimension to the Clippers’ offense, creating more space for Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to operate.
Turner’s fit with the Clippers seems ideal. His defensive skills would complement Leonard’s perimeter defense, making the Clippers one of the toughest defensive teams in the league. Offensively, Turner can contribute as a pick-and-pop big man, setting solid screens and rolling to the basket effectively. This versatility would allow the Clippers to utilize him in various offensive sets, maximizing his impact on the court.
4. Zach LaVine Could Revitalize The Clippers’ Offense
Clippers receive: Zach LaVine
Bulls receive: Norman Powell, PJ Tucker, Terrance Mann, Bones Hyland
Zach LaVine’s 2023-24 season with the Chicago Bulls was tumultuous and filled with challenges. The star guard, who signed a five-year, $215 million contract extension with the Bulls, was limited to just 25 games due to a foot surgery that ended his season in January. Despite his injury, LaVine managed to average 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, maintaining his status as one of the league’s elite scorers.
The Bulls’ season saw significant changes, including the trade of Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder and DeMar DeRozan’s move to the Sacramento Kings. These moves signaled a shift in the Bulls’ strategy, focusing on building a younger core around players like LaVine and newcomer Josh Giddey. However, the relationship between LaVine and the Bulls’ front office has been strained, with reports of mistrust and multiple trade rumors circulating throughout the season.
Chicago has explored various trade options for LaVine, presenting upwards of 15 proposals to different teams. However, the market for LaVine has been lukewarm due to his hefty contract and recent injury history. The Kings and the Golden State Warriors have shown interest, but no significant progress has been made on any deal.
For the Clippers, acquiring Zach LaVine would be a strategic move to inject scoring and playmaking into their lineup. LaVine’s ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor with his shooting would complement Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, forming a formidable offensive trio. His athleticism and scoring prowess would provide the Clippers with a dynamic option on the perimeter, capable of taking over games and delivering in clutch moments.
LaVine’s professionalism and dedication, despite the trade rumors and challenges, have been highlighted by his agent, Rich Paul, who emphasized that LaVine has always represented the Bulls with class and played through injuries without complaint. This resilience and work ethic would make him a valuable addition to the Clippers as they aim for a deep playoff run.
5. Bruce Brown Could Be The Defensive Anchor The Clippers Need
Clippers receive: Bruce Brown
Raptors receive: Norman Powell, Bones Hyland
Bruce Brown’s 2023-24 season has been eventful, to say the least. Starting the season with the Indiana Pacers after signing a two-year, $45 million deal, Brown was traded to the Toronto Raptors as part of a package for Pascal Siakam. Brown, a versatile defender and capable offensive player, averaged 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 47.8% from the field and 32.3% from beyond the arc across his stints with both teams.
The Raptors recently exercised Brown’s $23 million team option for the 2024-25 season, making him a valuable trade asset. While there has been significant interest in Brown from various teams, Toronto has yet to finalize any deals. The Raptors are looking to rebuild and are open to trading Brown to acquire future assets and young talent.
For the Clippers, acquiring Brown would significantly enhance their defensive capabilities. Brown’s ability to guard multiple positions and his strong defensive presence on the perimeter would complement the Clippers’ existing roster. Offensively, Brown’s versatility would provide the Clippers with additional playmaking and scoring options, especially given his experience in high-pressure situations from his time with the Denver Nuggets during their championship run.
