The Los Angeles Clippers (19-12) are currently 4th in the Western Conference, and based on what we have seen so far, the team is rolling right now with an impressive 8-2 record over the last 10 games. With James Harden coming into his own alongside Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook, the Clippers look like a top team vying for a spot in the NBA Finals.
We have already seen the breakdown of the Lakers’ deadline guide and as we are at the start of the New Year, the Clippers’ situation could be very interesting as they have the second-highest payroll in the league at $202,129,596 behind the Golden State Warriors. In this February Trade Deadline guide, we will present trade candidates, realistic targets, and untouchable players for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Trade Candidates
– Norman Powell ($18,000,000), PJ Tucker ($11,014,500), Ivica Zubac ($10,933,333), Terance Mann ($10,576,923), Mason Plumlee ($5,000,000), Amir Coffey ($3,666,667), Bones Hyland ($2,306,400), Daniel Theis ($2,179,511)
Norman Powell stands out as a valuable trade candidate for the Clippers due to his impressive scoring off the bench, averaging 13.1 points per game with an efficient 43.6% shooting from three. At just 30 years old, Powell brings a combination of scoring and defensive prowess that makes him an attractive asset for teams looking to bolster their bench.
PJ Tucker, on the other hand, has struggled this season, with a decline in production and age working against him. At 38 years old, his 1.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game may not justify his $11,014,500 salary. The Clippers would likely welcome an opportunity to shed his contract in a trade, especially if it means freeing up cap space for a more impactful addition.
The 26-year-old active big man, Ivica Zubac, is enjoying a solid season, averaging 12.4 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Despite his contributions, the Clippers might consider moving him if an opportunity arises to acquire an All-Star caliber big man. Zubac’s youth and productivity make him an intriguing asset in trade discussions.
Terance Mann, a 27-year-old guard, has been a long-held asset for the Clippers, but they might be open to parting ways if the right deal materializes. Mann’s offensive production has been modest, posting 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. However, his subpar three-point shooting at 19.5% may impact his trade value.
Mason Plumlee, a 33-year-old backup center, is currently sidelined with an MCL strain, limiting his trade appeal. With only five appearances this season, his availability to play becomes a crucial factor for any potential trade partners.
The 26-year-old swingman Amir Coffey provides depth off the bench, averaging 3.9 points in 19 appearances. Teams seeking depth and salary fillers could express interest in Coffey, making him a potential trade asset for the Clippers.
Bones Hyland, a 23-year-old confident shooter, has emerged as a hot trade commodity for the Clippers. Averaging 7.6 points in 15 appearances, the team may be willing to part with him given their surplus of scorers and the potential return he could command in a trade.
Finally, Daniel Theis, a 31-year-old veteran, can serve as a salary-matching piece in trades. Known for his defensive prowess, Theis brings experience to the table and could be a valuable asset for teams looking to solidify their frontcourt rotation.
Realistic Targets
– Clint Capela ($20,616,000), Nikola Vucevic ($18,518,519), Jonas Valanciunas ($15,435,000), Dorian Finney-Smith ($13,932,008), Alex Caruso ($9,460,000), Deni Avdija ($6,263,188)
The Clippers will look to bolster one area that does not have a star name currently: the center spot. Acquiring Clint Capela would be a strategic move for the Clippers, addressing a key need in their frontcourt with a dominant rim protector and rebounder. Capela’s shot-blocking ability and presence in the paint would significantly bolster the Clippers’ interior defense, providing a reliable rim deterrent that the team currently lacks as he is averaging 1.6 blocks along with 10.7 rebounds per game. Along with being a defensive enforcer, Capela started his career catching lobs from James Harden so that would be a seamless fit.
Potential Trade Package for Clint Capela: Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, PJ Tucker
An alternative center option is Nikola Vucevic, a player not known for defense like Capela but is a consistent scorer who can do damage inside and outside while crashing the boards. Vucevic’s scoring ability, both in the post and from beyond the arc, would diversify the Clippers’ offensive options, adding a reliable scoring presence in the paint and stretching the floor with his three-point shooting. Vucevic is posting 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game so his offensive talent would make the Clippers’ starting lineup almost impossible to defend against.
Potential Trade Package for Nikola Vucevic: Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, PJ Tucker
Speaking about offense, Jonas Valanciunas can also provide that. The New Orleans Pelicans center is averaging 14.4 points per game on 56.8% from the field and 35.5% from three so he can also be a consistent offensive threat if Vucevic isn’t available for a trade. Along with being a strong scorer, the 6’11’’ Lithuanian is also adding 9.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game for the season so he can always be a force on both ends of the court thanks to his size and physicality alone. In a nutshell, Valanciunas would be an upgrade over Zubac and that means a trade for him is worth it.
Potential Trade Package for Jonas Valanciunas: Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, Brandon Boston Jr.
Versatile forward Dorian Finney-Smith brings a combination of defensive prowess and three-point shooting that could complement their star-studded lineup. Finney-Smith’s defensive versatility is particularly valuable, as he can guard multiple positions effectively and contribute to a team’s overall defensive scheme. His ability to knock down three-pointers (43.0% this season) at a respectable clip adds spacing to the floor, which is crucial for a team that relies heavily on perimeter scoring led by All-Stars. Similar to what he did with the Dallas Mavericks, Finney-Smith would be an intelligent pickup by the Clippers if the Brooklyn Nets are looking for an immediate rebuild.
Potential Trade Package for Dorian Finney-Smith: PJ Tucker, Brandon Boston Jr., 2024 Second-Round Pick
Focusing on another defensively-minded player to their roster, Alex Caruso is renowned for his tenacious on-ball defense, high basketball IQ, and ability to disrupt opponents with his steals and deflections. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, providing valuable flexibility in different matchups. Offensively, while not a primary scorer, Caruso is an efficient playmaker who makes sound decisions with the ball and can knock down open shots (45.5% this season). His track record of being a 2020 NBA champion with the Lakers and making the 2022-23 All-Defensive Team with the Bulls shows he can contribute to a title contender.
Potential Trade Package for Alex Caruso: Bones Hyland, Amir Coffey, Mason Plumlee, 2024 Second-Round Pick
As a 22-year-old small forward with a diverse skill set, Deni Avdija has the potential to develop into a valuable asset for both ends of the floor. Known for his basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and defensive instincts, Avdija can contribute in various ways as he averages 11.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season. Offensively, he can handle the ball, create for teammates, and stretch the floor with his shooting. Defensively, his length and agility make him a promising perimeter defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. As a final backup option, the Clippers can boost their depth tremendously with Avdija while also clearing the depth chart of some unwanted players.
Potential Trade Package for Deni Avdija: Bones Hyland, Mason Plumlee, Amir Coffey, Kobe Brown
Untouchable Players
– Kawhi Leonard ($45,640,084), Paul George ($45,640,084), James Harden ($35,640,000), Russell Westbrook ($3,835,738)
Kawhi Leonard is a clear untouchable because he is the face of the Clippers franchise and one of the best two-way players of his generation. Despite his frustrating injury history, Leonard has appeared in 27 games this season, posting 24.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. When he has played, Leonard has been dominant in his own way and there is hope that the player who is making $45,640,084 this season and has a $48,787,676 player option next year. As long as Leonard plays, the Clippers have a strong chance to win against any opponent and there is hope the former two-time Finals MVP re-signs.
Paul George is often criticized for his lack of consistency at times, especially in the playoffs, but he is untouchable right now. After all, will the Clippers bring back a top-20 player in the world if they do trade George? The answer is no. Therefore, expect George to be handled with care and given a role as the second (or sometimes third) scoring option. He is posting 22.9 points per game on 39.9% from three in 29 appearances, so he has had a solid campaign so far.
No team will want to take on James Harden, and the Clippers want the experiment to work. That means The Beard is untouchable for now, and he has been much better as the weeks have gone by. He is averaging 17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game this season and while his numbers have decreased, these are still solid numbers for a 34-year-old who is approaching the final years of his prime. Harden has reverted to his “I am a system” style of play, and the Clippers need to find a way to make it work.
Finally, despite agreeing to be a bench player, it would be very unrealistic for the Clippers to trade Russell Westbrook. It is not easy to find a sixth man who can post 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game and these are numbers that the veteran point guard can produce every night. Making only $3,835,738 this season with a player option worth $4,027,525 next season, Westbrook is on an excellent deal from the Clippers’ point of view and there should be no reason to trade him.
