The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to make some key moves in the offseason to ensure a more formidable roster for their next campaign. Featuring the star duo of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the Clippers are primed to make some vital additions to help the franchise mount a title charge.
The last season saw incredible highs and lows for the Clippers. Although Leonard missed a large portion of the season due to injury, the team remained competitive while being led by their star guard, James Harden.
The valiant contributions of Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac cannot be forgotten in this context. And paired with some significant performances off the bench, the Los Angeles side looked set to make a deep playoff run.
Unfortunately, their shortcomings in Game 7 of the first round of the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets made some roster issues blatantly clear. This team requires reinforcements.
While players such as Kevin Durant have been pursued as targets in trade rumors, the Clippers aren’t viewed as favorites to land the Suns’ star. Instead, the team has been viewed as among the frontrunners to land Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
Rozier is a high-energy combo guard, capable of producing timely buckets on his own. Although he wasn’t as relevant in Miami’s system, the 31-year-old could still prove to be a vital contributor for a winning side.
With this in mind, we look at a potential trade package from the Clippers to acquire the guard from Miami.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Terry Rozier
Miami Heat Receive: Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum, Derrick Jones Jr.
Rozier Brings Firepower To The Clippers
It goes without saying that the Los Angeles Clippers have some heavy hitters on their side. With the likes of Harden and Leonard headlining the team, the Clippers are a very capable offensive unit.
Unfortunately, the inconsistent appearances of their stars paired with the relative drop-off in scoring talent after Powell raises some concerns about the team’s offensive integrity. With this in mind, the addition of Terry Rozier could add some firepower to the team.
Last season, Rozier averaged 10.7 points on 39.1% shooting from the field and 29.5% from beyond the arc. These are rather disappointing numbers when considering the role he would be expected to fill.
It is important to take the system into perspective here. Miami’s system did not cater to the guard in the slightest, often seeing him as the fourth option on offense. In this context, the relative difference in his scoring averages from his last stint in Charlotte, where he averaged 23.2 points on 45.9% shooting from the field, is drastic.
While he was still a second or third option with the Hornets, Rozier was capable of producing more. Perhaps in a different system with more opportunity, the guard will be a much more relevant contributor as well.
The Heat Add Significant Reinforcements
It is important to note that the Miami Heat are also coming off a very disappointing postseason. Their elimination after a sweep in the first round is bound to trigger massive changes to the roster.
While trades for superstars will continue to be negotiated, this trade proposal brings in a lot of veterans to the side, with Derrick Jones Jr. returning for another stint with the team.
Players such as Kris Dunn and Nicolas Batum could be a tremendous addition for the Heat, who have often fared well when featuring solid role players.
Dunn had a great season with the Clippers, averaging 6.4 points and 3.4 rebounds. While he was far from being the focus of the team’s offense, Dunn was a reliable option all the same, averaging 43.9% shooting from the field.
It was his contributions on the defensive end that made him valuable and could potentially be the key to success on a team like Miami as well.
Similarly, Batum appears to fit the template for the prototypical Heat role player. As a defensive-minded forward with a legitimate three-point shot, the Frenchman could easily fit into Erik Spoelstra’s system.
Last season, he averaged 4.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game on shooting splits of 43.7% from the field and 43.3% from three-point range. In a pinch, he could still be a reliable rotation player.
Jones Jr. also brings a lot of value to the table. His experience of playing under Spoelstra would be a massive factor in helping him secure more minutes with the team. The forward has made a name for himself as a high-flying act, but his contributions on defense make him a great role player to have.
Last season, Jones averaged 10.7 points and 3.4 rebounds on 52.6% shooting from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc. If given playing time, the 28-year-old could be incredibly productive for the Heat.
Terry Rozier Doesn’t Solve The Problem
As solid as Terry Rozier may be for the Clippers, if given an opportunity, his presence wouldn’t solve the team’s core problems.
Los Angeles has struggled in the playoffs due to Leonard’s injuries and Harden’s inconsistency, particularly in Game 7. While Rozier’s addition could bolster their offense to some extent, it doesn’t address the main problem associated with their star duo.
While the team’s efforts to form a superteam continue, the inherent problems associated with them will emerge again unless they are addressed. And given the current age of their stars, the organization must make the necessary changes now to make the most of their title window.
