Before the season began, many wondered if the Los Angeles Clippers would consider a rebuild after losing Paul George in free agency and Kawhi Leonard’s continued absence due to injury. However, the Clippers have exceeded expectations, led by breakout seasons from Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac.
The addition of Derrick Jones Jr. to the starting lineup and the contributions of role players like Kris Dunn and Kevin Porter Jr. have further solidified the team’s depth and competitiveness.
Who Are The Clippers Willing To Trade?
They are in such a good spot that many see them as sellers rather than buyers ahead of the trade deadline. In his recent article for Hoops Hype, Michael Scotto’s sources are telling him that the Clippers are taking calls on two players, guard Bones Hyland and power forward PJ Tucker.
As a result, two of the most prominent trade candidates on the Clippers include PJ Tucker’s $11.54 million expiring contract and guard Bones Hyland. Tucker, a 13-year NBA veteran, could be included as salary filler for a trade, but some teams are monitoring whether he’ll eventually hit the buyout market in a few months. After the team landed Dunn as the primary backup point guard this offseason, the writing was on the wall for Hyland, who recently turned 24. Hyland will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer. Given Hyland’s age and contract situation, there’s a chance a team will consider trading a second-round pick to take a chance on him.
Sitting at 5th in the Western Conference and winning eight of the last 10, the Clippers are far from the preseason calls to tear it down. The only player Scotto has heard the Clippers may want to add is Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe.
The true test of this team will come over the next few weeks heading into the holiday. They play the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks twice in back-to-back games, all before December 23rd. Those teams have a combined record of 54 and 31 or a .635 winning percentage.