The Los Angeles Clippers have been slowly faltering this season even if they are on a two-game winning streak. Since acquiring James Harden, the Clippers lost five straight before getting over the hump against the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. Los Angeles has elite players such as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook but they might need reinforcements in terms of big-man depth.
Ivica Zubac has done an admirable job so far, averaging 9.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game in his Clippers career. However, the Clippers can make that one more step forward by acquiring one of the best available centers in the NBA right now. Even in the modern NBA where guards and forwards rule, a capable center can completely shape the way a team plays and we can see that with the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers.
While the Clippers won’t be able to acquire a superstar center considering their salary cap, they can go for a major upgrade at the center position. Without further ado, here are the three best centers the Clippers can land right now.
Clint Capela
2023-24 Statistics: 10.5 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.6 BPG
The Los Angeles Clippers can acquire Clint Capela since the Atlanta Hawks will probably only have Trae Young as an untouchable this season and going forward. Capela is not an elite scorer but he is a dynamic defender who can be brought in rather quickly.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, PJ Tucker
Acquiring Clint Capela could be a strategic move for the Los Angeles Clippers, especially considering the Atlanta Hawks’ apparent willingness to part with him. While Capela may not boast elite scoring numbers, his defensive prowess adds a crucial layer to the Clippers’ lineup. With averages of 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season, Capela’s impact on the defensive end is particularly noteworthy.
His ability to consistently protect the rim and secure rebounds could significantly bolster the Clippers’ interior defense, providing the team with a reliable presence in the paint. Moreover, the familiarity and chemistry Capela shares with James Harden from their time together in Houston could enhance the Clippers’ offensive dynamics, especially in pick-and-roll situations where Capela excels as a lob-catching big man.
In terms of the proposed trade, sending Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, and PJ Tucker to the Atlanta Hawks seems like a fair exchange. Zubac has been a solid contributor for the Clippers, but Capela’s defensive skills might offer an upgrade in the center position. Bones Hyland, a promising young talent, and PJ Tucker, known for his defensive tenacity, could be appealing additions for the Hawks, providing them with both youth and experience.
With Capela set to become a free agent in 2025 ($22,265,280 next season) and the Hawks possibly looking to reshape their roster, the Clippers’ offer provides Atlanta with a combination of players and assets, allowing them to secure value in return for Capela while potentially addressing their own team needs.
Jonas Valanciunas
2023-24 Statistics: 13.4 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Another trade that could be available for the Clippers involves double-double threat Jonas Valanciunas. The Lithuanian is known to accumulate a major number of rebounds in a matter of minutes although his production has slightly dipped this season.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jonas Valanciunas
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, Amir Coffey
The potential acquisition of Jonas Valanciunas presents the Los Angeles Clippers with a seasoned and versatile center. Despite a slight dip in production during the 2023-24 season, Valanciunas remains a double-double threat, showcasing averages of 13.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.4 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. His reputation as a prolific rebounder and efficient paint patroller could significantly strengthen the Clippers’ interior presence, addressing one of the team’s key needs.
Valanciunas, standing at 6’11”, not only provides a reliable scoring option in the post but also adds a modern touch to his game with a respectable three-point shooting ability, boasting a 37.9% success rate from beyond the arc this season. This skill set aligns seamlessly with the Clippers’ star-studded lineup, enabling him to complement the playing styles of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook.
In the proposed trade scenario involving Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, and Amir Coffey heading to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Clippers offer a combination of youth and a proven rotational player. Zubac, while a serviceable center, could be replaced by Valanciunas, and Bones Hyland brings promising talent to the Pelicans’ backcourt. Amir Coffey adds depth and versatility to the package. This trade not only addresses the Clippers’ immediate needs but also provides the Pelicans with assets that align with their potential roster plans, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Nikola Vucevic
2023-24 Statistics: 16.9 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
The third deal on the table for the Clippers could be one involving two-time All-Star, Nikola Vucevic. Vucevic is not only a capable rebounder but a go-to scorer in the post and from the perimeter who can provide the Clippers with something they haven’t had since Blake Griffin.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls: Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, PJ Tucker
Nikola Vucevic is only available for a trade from December 27th onwards due to the fact that he signed a contract extension. Once he becomes available the Clippers need to go all-in for Vucevic and target the rebuilding Chicago Bulls.
In this proposed trade, the Los Angeles Clippers would acquire Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, and PJ Tucker. This move positions the Clippers to enhance their frontcourt with Vucevic, a seasoned center known for his consistent double-double performances and shooting versatility.
With career averages of 34.6% from beyond the arc, Vucevic provides valuable floor spacing for a team already featuring offensive stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. While not an elite defender, Vucevic’s size and scoring ability make him an upgrade over Zubac, and his experience could contribute to the Clippers’ win-now mentality.
For the Chicago Bulls, this trade aligns with a potential rebuilding strategy, especially if they consider trading Zach LaVine. Acquiring 26-year-old Ivica Zubac and 23-year-old Bones Hyland provides the Bulls with promising young talent to build around for the future. Additionally, PJ Tucker adds a veteran presence and defensive toughness to the mix.
Moving on from Vucevic, who is in his 30s and may not fit into a rebuilding plan, allows the Bulls to transition their roster while freeing up cap space, given Vucevic’s salary obligations in 2025 ($20,000,000) and 2026 ($21,481,481). Overall, this trade could benefit both teams, addressing immediate needs for the Clippers and facilitating a potential rebuild for the Bulls.
An Upgrade At Center Would Create The Scariest Lineup In The NBA
In conclusion, securing an upgraded center for the Los Angeles Clippers has the potential to transform their lineup into one of the most formidable and intimidating forces in the NBA. Whether acquiring Clint Capela, Jonas Valanciunas, or Nikola Vucevic, each brings a unique skill set that can complement the star trio of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden.
A dominant center not only fortifies the team’s interior defense and rebounding but also creates additional offensive opportunities through effective pick-and-roll plays and floor spacing. This acquisition would enable the Clippers to present a balanced and versatile roster that can contend at both ends of the court.
Imagine a scenario where the upgraded center anchors the paint, allowing Leonard and George to focus on perimeter defense and offensive playmaking. Harden, with his scoring prowess, benefits from the attention drawn by the center in the paint, creating open looks and driving lanes. Meanwhile, bringing Russell Westbrook off the bench injects an explosive scoring and playmaking dynamic to maintain pressure on opponents throughout the game.
The collective synergy of this envisioned lineup not only elevates the Clippers’ championship aspirations but also establishes them as a truly intimidating force in the league, capable of going toe-to-toe with any opponent. The addition of a high-caliber center could be the missing piece that propels the Clippers to the summit of the NBA hierarchy instead of hovering around .500 without a chance to defeat the favorite Denver Nuggets in a 7-game series.
