According to HoopsHype, the Los Angeles Clippers’ ideal pre-trade deadline scenario would be to upgrade their roster on the margins by adding a backup big man while minimizing their financial commitments. The team is reportedly aiming to acquire a backup big man through trades while simultaneously avoiding the luxury tax threshold.
ESPN recently achieved this goal recently with the following trade proposal.
Los Angeles Clippers Add Jusuf Nurkic In Latest Trade Proposal
Phoenix receives:
P.J. Tucker
Bones Hyland
LA Clippers receive:
Jusuf Nurkic
2027 least favorable first of Cleveland, Minnesota, Utah
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Nurkic was recently benched by the Suns earlier this month and he admitted to not having a relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer.
By trading guard Bones Hyland, the team could potentially dip below the luxury tax threshold, resulting in a $16 million tax distribution.
Hyland, acquired from Denver two years ago, has seen limited playing time this season. Trading him, along with a future second-round pick or cash considerations, could be a strategic move to improve the team’s financial flexibility.
Furthermore, the Clippers are also seeking to resolve the situation with veteran forward PJ Tucker. Tucker, who has not played for the team this season, is owed $4.2 million of his $11 million contract. Finding a resolution for Tuckers’s contract will also be crucial in the team’s efforts to reduce its luxury tax obligations.
The 30-year-old Nurkic has been a starting center for most of the past decade, but his numbers have fallen since joining the Suns before last season. This season, he’s averaging just 8.2 points and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 45.4% from the field. That said, he would be an upgrade for the Clippers when Ivica Zubac comes off the court.