With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the L.A. Clippers are squarely in the chase for the 2021 title. Off to an 18-8 start, the team is looking pretty good out of the gate, and George is playing like an early MVP candidate.
Still, they could use all the help they can get.
So, with the trade deadline approaching, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley laid out one scenario that would see them land Rockets star point guard, John Wall.
(via Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report)
Los Angeles Clippers receive: John Wall, Ben McLemore, Danuel House Jr., 2021 second-round pick, 2022 first-round pick (via MIL) and 2024 second-round pick
Houston Rockets receive: Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley, Marcus Morris Sr., Ivica Zubac and Luke Kennard
Trading Wall would essentially hand the franchise over to Christian Wood, a young big man with a huge upside. Getting Williams, Beverley, Morris, Kennard, and Zubac would bolster their depth and give Wood a solid supporting cast to launch a playoff campaign.
This isn’t a championship contender now, and it’s woefully short on avenues to internal improvement. Plus, the recent success is open to skepticism since the post-Harden Rockets have defeated just one team in current possession of a playoff spot (the Portland Trail Blazers, who were playing without CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic).
Tearing down and rebuilding around Christian Wood remains the most logical step forward. This deal would shed what’s left of John Wall’s colossal contract, net a pair of long-term keepers in Ivica Zubac and Luke Kennard and add three veterans who could be plugged into the rotation or moved for assets in future trades.
The Clippers get the best asset in the trade. Between the combined powers of Kawhi, George, and Wall, the Clips could have a big three that makes them favorites in the West.
For the Clippers, though, he might be the playmaker they need.
Kawhi Leonard’s reported request for a point guard upgrade was never really addressed. This would do it—just ahead of Leonard’s potential venture into unrestricted free agency—in the form of a five-time All-Star and career supplier of 9.1 assists per game.
L.A. could also round out its wing collection with Ben McLemore and Danuel House Jr., plus add a trio of picks (a concession for Wall’s contract cost) to develop or go shopping for more.
John Wall has been playing inspiring basketball off his Achilles injury. With season averages of 19.2 points, 6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game on 44.7% shooting, he’s well on his way to proving he can still be an elite guard in this league.
Whether it’s with the Rockets, Clippers, or some other team, there are good things ahead for him…
