Los Angeles Clippers In-Season Moves

Even with deep pocketed owner Steve Ballmer, will the Los Angeles Clippers be a player in the mid-season trade market?

I have already talked about the need for a better backup to Chris Paul, who is perennially injured for at least a few weeks each year, so there is an obvious need for a roster move or two during the season. But even with the richest owner in American sports, the Clippers are still more than $2 million over the luxury tax line, so there is not much wiggle room.

However, as the Brooklyn Nets have shown, the tax line does not hinder a team that really does not care about money. So what are the options that might be out there to improve Lob City’s depth at the point and wing positions?

After scouring NBA rosters for what looks like a superfluous third point guard, I can honestly say there is not much available. Guys like Shane Larkin, Austin Rivers, Jimmer Fredette, Tyler Ennis, etc… Most of these guys are not going to be much better than Jordan Farmar.

Still there are a few intriguing options, so let’s take a look at my top five acquisition targets for a Clippers in-season move:

1.  Jason Richardson, Philadelphia 76ers

Richardson decided to opt-in, picking up the $6 million player option for 2014-15 with the Philadelphia 76ers. That is a little concerning, as you would expect someone who is nearing the end of his career to be looking at playing for a championship caliber team.

There are also rumors that Richardson showed up to camp out of shape, and some believe that he will ride the pine this year, collecting his last paycheck without performing much on the court. Questions about his character came up during his former stint with the Phoenix  Suns, and no Suns fan will ever forgive his non-box out of Metta World Peace that sent the Lakers past the Suns in the last appearance in the western conference finals by Steve Nash and the seven seconds or less group.

Still, it might be worth it to kick the tires on Richardson, and see if he would be interested in adding some much needed shooting. He is a career 37% shooter from three-point land, and in a limited role off the bench he could provide added scoring punch. Because it is the 76ers, who are not interested in winning, it should not take much to bring him over.  You could even hope for some kind of buyout arrangement, with a handshake deal for him to sign here once he is a free agent.

2. Aaron Brooks, Chicago Bulls/China

According to some recent media reports, Brooks is going to be taking his talents to Asia to play in China, so he may not be available until March. However, even at that time, Brooks could provide some needed depth for a playoff run. He is a good shooter from long range, hitting almost 37% of his threes for his career, including an impressive 41% during his stint with the Houston Rockets last season.

There are some downsides. Brooks’ personality could be described as “feisty” at best, and he has never been able to stick with a team despite his production being well above replacement level. A disastrous gig with the Phoenix Suns during their late season playoff push in 2011 makes you wonder about his willingness to be a team player and to learn the offense on the fly.

Nevertheless, he can add shooting and play-making ability off the bench and would probably take an offer for the veteran’s pro-rated minimum salary. So it would make sense to be first in line when he arrives back in the United States.

3. Marcus Thornton, Boston Celtics

Thornton is on an expiring contract this year, and the Celtics are seemingly in rebuilding mode. He would be an instant upgrade over the streaky and emotional Matt Barnes. Barnes is a career 33% shooter behind the arc and has a history of melting down in the playoffs. Thornton, while not as versatile of a defender as Barnes, can really shoot it and is a much better scorer.

It might be difficult to trade for that $8 million salary, but if Boston is well out of the playoff hunt come March, it is conceivable that Thornton could ask for a buyout and be available as a free agent.

4. J.J. Barea, Minnesota Timberwolves

Barea is undersized, but is a lightning bug who has had some big playoff moments, including helping the Dallas Mavericks to win the franchise’s only NBA Championship. He is an accomplished playmaker and would be another facilitator on a team full of finishers.

Minnesota has plenty of point guards, with Ricky Rubio, Mo Williams, and 2014 first round pick Zach LaVine. So it would seem that Barea would be expendable. Whether Minnesota, delusional yet again about its playoff chances, would be willing to part with Barea is unknown, but its another option the Clippers should explore.

5. Steve Novak, Utah Jazz

Novak would be a perfect fit, sliding into Barnes spot on the floor. His salary is nearly identical to that of Matt Barnes, and a swap of the two players, along with a sweetener, like a second round pick, would make this an easy deal.

We all know what Novak can do: shoot the ball. He is one the best shooters in the game and would be a perfect complimentary piece on offense. His defense is not his strength, but he does have size. If the Jazz are willing to deal, I would make the call today.