Los Angeles Clippers Trade Idea Fixes Big Roster Problem

The Los Angeles Clippers currently exhibit a notable deficiency in frontcourt depth beyond starting center Ivica Zubac. This issue echoes a similar challenge faced by the team last season.

The current roster features Mo Bamba and Kai Jones as backup centers, a combination that may not offer a significant improvement over last year’s options, which included Mason Plumlee and Moussa Diabate.

When Zubac is absent, it leaves a glaring void in the frontcourt and forces the team to rely heavily on unproven or underperforming players in this crucial position. The Clippers have essentially invested in players with high potential but have yet to see a consistent return on that investment.

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The Clippers are shockingly looking like a team that can compete in the NBA playoffs but would look to find a quality solution at center before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6th.

Clutch Points cooked up a trade idea to address this;

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Clippers Trade with the Portland Trail Blazers

Clippers receive: Robert Williams ($12.4 million)

Blazers receive: Terrence Mann ($11.4 million) and Cam Christie ($1.2 million)

Since acquiring Paul George, the Clippers don’t exactly have plenty of assets and draft capital to move around. However, it’s still possible for them to execute a deal. One of the best big men they can acquire is Blazers center Robert Williams, who’s widely known as Time Lord.

Williams will ultimately provide some defensive teeth for Los Angeles. For the season, he is averaging 6.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in 13 outings. But more importantly, he seems like the perfect fit for the Clippers’ backup position.

Despite his impact on defense, the Blazers could want to move on from the 6-foot-9 center, especially with his injury history. And as a rebuilding team, the Blazers could use him as a trade asset for long-term players instead, which the Clippers can take advantage of.

The Clippers can dangle Terrence Mann, who’s capable of going off. He’s showing a dip in production this year, logging in only 6.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

The Blazers could be enticed by Mann’s scoring, given that he’s a player they can rely on offensively. Aside from Mann, the Clippers can also throw rookie Cam Christie into the mix as a salary filler. He’s also a young player who the Blazers can develop better.

Clutch Points