No matter their past, the LA Clippers will be among the Western Conference elite. With Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Serge Ibaka, they have the star power to make amends for last season’s failures.
Still, it’s no secret that things are less than ideal for the club, especially in the form of leadership. If the Clippers come out on this next campaign looking flat, they might make a last-ditch move to save their season, and Paul George could be the one put on the block.
The question is: who could they get in return?
In Sacramento, their desire for a co-star to run with De’Aaron Fox would make them immediate contenders should PG become available. With plenty of assets, there is a way both teams could end up as winners in a multi-player trade.
Los Angeles Clippers Recieve: Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III, Richaun Holmes, and two first-round picks
Sacramento Kings Recieve: Paul George, Luke Kennard
Clippers Add The Perfect Partner For Kawhi Leonard
Not only do the Clippers get to replenish their depleted stockpile of picks, they also get two athletic bigs in Holmes and Bagley to bring some depth and versatility to the frontcourt.
The best part of the deal, though, is no doubt the acquisition of Hield. Despite his rather troubling tenure in Sacramento, his talents as a scorer and knockdown shooter make him a great compliment next to Kawhi and Pat Bev. The 27-year-old shooting guard averaged 19.2 points per game on 39% shooting from downtown last season.
Swapping George for Hield also makes a statement to the locker room, confirming once and for all that the Clippers are Kawhi Leonard’s team.
It’s not the haul that Clippers fans are hoping for, but it’s certainly enough to justify making the move — especially if LA finds themselves in a sour position close to the trade deadline.
Kings Finally Get A True Star
The Kings would give up the majority of their young talent for PG13 — a guy with a history of playoff shortcomings coming off his most controversial season yet.
Still, if he is able to play up to at least most of his potential, it could put the Kings on track for the postseason. Even in what was arguably his worst season in years, PG averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on 43.9% shooting. What he brings on the defensive end might be even more important, especially for a younger squad who has struggled on that side of the floor.
A pairing of George with young, explosive point guard De’Aaron Fox should excite any Kings fan. Fox’s speed, athleticism, and playmaking abilities should be a nice mix with PG’s perimeter-oriented game.
Either way, the deal would mark the arrival of the first true star since DeMarcus Cousins. That’s not bad for a franchise still fighting for legitimacy in their Conference.
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