Without the presence of any All-Stars in their trades, LA Clippers he was one of the great protagonists of his last day NBA transfer market.
The Los Angeles franchise is very clear that its championship chances go through the Kawhi Leonard’s twin and Paul George which formed in 2019, but has not yet been able to take full advantage of its expected performance. And in a race against time where they have yet to reach the League finals, they are looking to win in 2023.
For this, the Clippers tried to strengthen their rotation with three different transfers in the last hours that resulted in the Eric Gordon additionson his return to the franchise after more than 10 years, Mason Plumlee and Bones Hyland.
A playoff-proven specialist and veteran shooter, 6-foot-6 inside and a very dynamic young guard with the ball in his hands. Three very different profiles for a team that has yet to find regularity throughout the season: it is sixth in the West with a 31-27 record and only once, in late January, was he able to win more than three consecutive games (five-game winning streak).
More | How did the Los Angeles Lakers fare after the signing of D’Angelo Russell and the departure of Russell Westbrook?
What’s notable about the Clippers in this market is that they moved by providing very little, at affordable bargain prices, something that’s necessary since they don’t own any first-round draft picks until 2027.
For Gordon they paid me Luke Kennardwho had been left out of the team’s rotation, and John Wall, a gamble that didn’t work out for a player who is still injured. For Hyland, 22, they dealt two second-round picks, while for Plumlee they released Reggie Jacksonfranchise regular who was last month displaced from the starting lineup by Terence Mann.
For any other move worth more, the Clippers should have touched it Leonard-George-Zubac-Morris-Batum core to which it appears attached.
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The LA Clippers’ most bombastic move in the market may yet to happen: Reportedly one of the franchises most interested in taking over Russell Westbrook if he gets out of contract with the Utah Jazz, which seems to be happening.
In this case, if Russ passes his process resignations he will be able to negotiate as a free agent with the Clippers or any other franchise. None of the title contenders appear to be a better destination for Westbrook than the Clippersthat he wouldn’t have to move from Los Angeles and join a team in need of another point guard.
More | What is the future of Russell Westbrook? Ranking each NBA team as a potential destination for the point guard
The most important thing for the Clippers, beyond all the moves, continues to focus on the health of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. With former Spurs and Raptors on the floor, they won 21 of 32 games (65% wins) played this season and five of the eleven losses were by five points or less. With PG13, the Clippers’ record is also very positive: 25-16 for 60.9% which would place them almost second in the West.
More | The summary of the NBA transfer market
How is the LA Clippers new rotation?
| Position | Headings | substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Eric Gordon | Terence Mann | Bones Hyland |
| Shooting guard | Paul George | Norman Powell | Amir Coffey |
| Eaves | Kawhi Leonard | Nicholas Batum |
| Inside | Marcus Morris | Robert Covington |
| Inside | Ivica Zubac | Mason Plumlee |
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
