Although the Clippers have proven themselves to be one of the most formidable teams in the Western Conference, they still look to be a piece away from supplanting the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs for the class of the conference, and should be looking to make a splash at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, the Clippers are cash strapped and cannot afford to take on much salary given the new collective bargaining agreement. Despite having a $2.6 million trade exception from the Eric Bledsoe trade, the Clips have limited options. They certainly have valuable trading chips in guys like Jamal Crawford, Jared Dudley, Matt Barnes and rookie Reggie Bullock. Nevertheless, given the injuries to guys like J.J. Redick and Chris Paul this season, it would be surprising to see the Clips shake it up and deal one of their integral rotation players.
A possible trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, however, has sprung up some interest. The Clippers are reportedly interested in trading for 76ers swingman Evan Turner.
The Clips have certainly had their struggles at the small forward position. Current starter Matt Barnes averages just 7.1 points per game while shooting a career-low 37 percent from the field in just more than 23 minutes per game. His backup, Jared Dudley, has been nothing but a dud (pun intended). He is averaging just less than eight points per game and is shooting just 36 percent from beyond the arc, a facet the Clippers hoped he would excel in. Rookie forward Reggie Bullock only steps foot on the court when the Clippers are either leading by 30 or trailing by 30, since neither is very likely to occur, he remains on the bench.
Turner, on the other hand, is a different story. This would be a very interesting pickup for the Clippers as Turner is currently putting together a career season, averaging 17.9 points, six rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Coming to Los Angeles, he would have far less responsibility and could add some much needed athleticism that Dudley lacks. He would also be a quality complement to Jamal Crawford.
The most likely asset the Clippers would offer would be Jared Dudley. Dudley, who was brought to Los Angeles along side J.J. Redick to create a double threat from the outside. That has not panned out as well as Doc Rivers would have hoped.
Trade rumble: Clippers "itchy" to make a deal and Jared Dudley, with PT harder to come by and logjam at wing spots, is unexpectedly in play
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 5, 2014
Dudley only just arrived from PHX via J.J. Redick sign-and-trade in summer but hearing now he could be on move before Feb. 20 trade buzzer
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 5, 2014
Due to Dudley’s inconsistency, he would be the most likely target of the trade rather than Matt Barnes. Although Barnes shows his fair share of erratic offensive ability, he has proved to be a force on defense and stands as the team enforcer. Expect to see Matt Barnes stay in a Clippers uniform. In addition to Dudley, it is likely to 76ers would ask for draft picks in their quest to rebuild. While the Clippers’ first round pick would be a mid-rounder at best, it would give Philadelphia excellent standing come draft time, especially if they decide to trade a package of picks for veteran talent.
It is believed that the Clippers are just one move away from being the complete team. This trade could very well do the trick. The inconsistent play from their small forwards has been a hinderance all season and has prevented them from reaching the next level. A trade for Evan Turner could be the answer.