NBA Rumors: Clippers Putting 3 Veterans on Trade Block

 

The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves in a weird situation at this season's trade deadline. They have a nice, small nucleus of youngsters, and, of course, they have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Trouble is, both superstars may be out for the balance of the season. To trade or not to trade at the deadline... That is the question facing LA's "other team".

If and when they do, Eric Bledsoe, Serge Ibaka and Marcus Morris are the likeliest to go, according to a report today by Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer. 

The Clippers are flying under the radar with Kawhi and George out but their short-handed group is developing a defensive identity that’s keeping them in the postseason race. With the deadline approaching, the team is on the search for a point guard. https://t.co/Jk9vnrn7MB

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 31, 2022

As noted by O'Connor, Ibaka is on an expiring contract of $9.7M, and has is just "clinging" to his spot in the rotation. Bledsoe makes $18.9M this season, but has provided very little, averaging just 9.9 points, while shooting 32% from the field. He's only guaranteed $3.9M next season, making his contract movable. 

Morris has been much more valuable to the Clippers this season, and is on the 2nd year of a 4-year deal worth $64M. But he's the asset that could bring back something young and useful at the deadline. 

As O'Connor notes, the Clippers are in need of a point guard, and some of the names they've been linked to include Jalen Brunson, Dennis Schröder, Kemba Walker, Goran Dragic, Spencer Dinwiddie, and John Wall. They're all available, in varying degrees. 

This could be a busy 10 days for the Clips. 

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports