The Los Angeles Clippers are currently riding an impressive nine-game winning streak, positioning themselves at a solid fourth place in the competitive Western Conference with a record of 17-10.
Recognizing the opportunity to strengthen their roster and elevate their standing even further, the Clippers could be exploring five impactful trades to enhance their second unit. These strategic moves aim to solidify their position as serious contenders in the tough Western Conference race.
5. Nikola Vucevic
Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports Los Angeles Clippers receive: Nikola Vucevic Chicago Bulls receive: Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, PJ Tucker In the proposed trade scenario, the Los Angeles Clippers are set to acquire Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, and PJ Tucker. This strategic move aims to bolster the Clippers’ frontcourt by bringing in Vucevic, an experienced center renowned for his consistent double-double performances and versatile shooting skills. Nikola Vucevic has been a consistent force for the Chicago Bulls in the current NBA season, showcasing his well-rounded skill set. Over the course of 29 games, he has maintained an impressive stat line, averaging 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Vucevic’s three-point shooting adds valuable floor spacing to the Clippers’ lineup, complementing offensive stars like Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Paul George. While not considered an elite defender, Vucevic’s size and scoring proficiency represent an upgrade over Zubac, and his seasoned experience aligns with the Clippers’ win-now mentality. For the Chicago Bulls, this trade aligns with a potential rebuilding strategy, particularly if they contemplate parting ways with Zach LaVine. Acquiring the 26-year-old Ivica Zubac and the 23-year-old Bones Hyland provides the Bulls with promising young talent to build around for the future. Additionally, PJ Tucker brings a veteran presence and defensive toughness to the mix. Moving on from Vucevic, who is in his 30s and may not align with a rebuilding plan, allows the Bulls to transition their roster onto an all-out rebuild by selling all of their best players. Overall, this trade has the potential to be mutually beneficial, addressing immediate needs for the Clippers and facilitating a potential rebuild for the Bulls. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Clint Capela Atlanta Hawks Receive: Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, PJ Tucker The Los Angeles Clippers could strategically benefit from acquiring Clint Capela, particularly given the apparent willingness of the Atlanta Hawks to part ways with him. Despite Capela not boasting elite scoring figures, his defensive expertise would add a crucial dimension to the Clippers’ lineup. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 11.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, showcasing his notable impact on the defensive end. Capela’s consistent rim protection and rebounding ability could significantly strengthen the Clippers’ interior defense, providing a reliable presence in the paint. Additionally, the existing familiarity and chemistry between Capela and James Harden, stemming from their time together in Houston, could enhance the Clippers’ offensive dynamics, especially in pick-and-roll situations where Capela excels as a lob-catching big man. Concerning the suggested trade, offering Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, and PJ Tucker to the Atlanta Hawks appears to be a reasonable proposition. While Zubac has been a dependable contributor for the Clippers, Capela’s defensive prowess could offer an upgrade in the center position. Bones Hyland, a promising young talent, and PJ Tucker, known for his defensive tenacity, could serve as enticing additions for the Hawks, providing a mix of youth and experience. Considering Capela’s impending free agency in 2025 and the Hawks potentially seeking to reshape their roster, the Clippers’ offer presents Atlanta with a combination of players and assets. This could allow the Hawks to secure value in exchange for Capela while addressing their own team needs. Credit: Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports Los Angeles Clippers receive: Dorian Finney-Smith Brooklyn Nets receive: PJ Tucker, Brandon Boston, 2024 second-round pick The proposed trade involves the Los Angeles Clippers acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for PJ Tucker, Brandon Boston, and a 2024 second-round pick. Dorian Finney-Smith brings a well-rounded skill set to the Clippers, averaging 10.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. His defensive prowess is a standout feature, and he could significantly contribute as an additional wing defender alongside stars like Harden, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard. Whether integrated into the starting lineup or utilized as a defensive anchor in the second unit alongside Russell Westbrook, Finney-Smith’s versatility adds depth and defensive stability to the Clippers’ roster. In the starting lineup, his ability to guard multiple positions and provide reliable three-point shooting complements the offensive firepower of the Clippers’ star trio. Moreover, his defensive skills would alleviate the workload on other primary scorers, allowing them to conserve energy for offensive contributions. In the second unit, Finney-Smith’s impact would be equally significant. His defensive tenacity and experience could anchor the team during critical moments, providing stability in both defensive stops and offensive transition opportunities. Additionally, his scoring ability would make him a valuable asset in bench-heavy rotations, ensuring a consistent offensive threat even when the stars are resting. The Clippers’ pursuit of Finney-Smith is strategically aligned with their goal of reinforcing the team’s defensive identity. His seamless integration into various lineup configurations, coupled with his proven ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, positions him as a high-impact addition to the Clippers’ quest for success in the competitive Western Conference. Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports Los Angeles Clippers receive: Alex Caruso Chicago Bulls receive: Bones Hyland, Amir Coffey, Mason Plumlee, 2024 second-round pick The proposed trade involves the Los Angeles Clippers acquiring Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Bones Hyland, Amir Coffey, Mason Plumlee, and a 2024 second-round pick. The addition of Alex Caruso to the Los Angeles Clippers would bring a versatile and impactful player to their roster, particularly strengthening their second unit. Caruso’s primary role would revolve around enhancing the team’s defensive capabilities, especially in crucial moments during games. His reputation as a standout defender, particularly at the point-of-attack, would make him a valuable asset for the Clippers in late-game situations and playoff scenarios. His stat line of 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists reflects his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Caruso’s defensive prowess is not limited to individual matchups; he also possesses a high basketball IQ and exceptional anticipation, making him adept at creating turnovers and disrupting opponents’ offensive schemes. This defensive acumen would be particularly valuable for the Clippers, especially when aiming to shield offensive stars like James Harden from defensive pressure. On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls, considering a roster overhaul, would benefit from this trade. Bones Hyland, a young talent no longer in the rotation, provides the Bulls with a promising asset. Amir Coffey, a player on the rise, adds another layer of potential, and Mason Plumlee, a veteran presence, could fill the void left by Vucevic if the Bulls decide to part ways with him. The 2024 second-round pick adds to the Bulls’ pool of future assets. This trade aligns with the Bulls’ strategy of rebuilding and moving key pieces. The Clippers, in turn, gain a valuable defensive asset in Caruso to strengthen their rotation. The trade addresses the needs and goals of both teams, making it a potentially beneficial move for both the Los Angeles Clippers and the Chicago Bulls. Los Angeles Clippers receive: Deni Avdija Washington Wizards receive: Bones Hyland, Mason Plumlee, Amir Coffey, Kobe Brown The proposed trade involves the Los Angeles Clippers acquiring Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Bones Hyland, Mason Plumlee, Amir Coffey, and Kobe Brown. Currently standing at No. 14 in the Eastern Conference with a record of 4-22, the Washington Wizards find themselves in a rebuilding phase. Deni Avdija, despite his youth, stands out as one of their promising assets. In this trade scenario, the Wizards have the opportunity to acquire multiple young players in exchange for Avdija, allowing them to build for the future. The addition of Bones Hyland, Mason Plumlee, Amir Coffey, and Kobe Brown provides the Wizards with a mix of young talent and veteran presence, addressing their need for both immediate contributions and long-term development. On the other hand, Deni Avdija, currently averaging an impressive 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, could find a fitting home with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers, a team with playoff aspirations, could benefit from Avdija’s versatility and well-rounded skill set. Avdija’s ability to contribute in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking makes him a valuable asset for a team looking to strengthen its rotation. Deni Avdija’s fit with the Clippers could be extensive and impactful. His basketball IQ, defensive versatility, and willingness to make plays for others align with the team’s competitive goals. Avdija’s potential to guard multiple positions would add defensive flexibility to the Clippers, allowing for strategic lineup adjustments. Additionally, his ability to space the floor and contribute as a secondary playmaker complements the offensive talents of the Clippers’ stars, providing additional options in various game situations. Moreover, the Clippers’ competitive environment provides Avdija with an opportunity to contend and develop alongside established players. Under the guidance of the Clippers’ coaching staff and in collaboration with the team’s star players, Avdija could further refine his skills and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success like his former teammate, Rui Hachimura, has been doing in the Lakers system since his trade away from Washington last season.
4. Clint Capela
3. Dorian Finney Smith
2. Alex Caruso
1. Deni Avdija
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