Los Angeles Clippers: Shake Up The Core?
Less Drastic Move: Trade a Star?
Both the more likely and probably most helpful move would be to make one big move, sending out a star player to re-configure the core. This would keep the team identity in place and the floor high.
One option is trading Chris Paul for a younger point guard. This would theoretically extend the window of contention, as Paul at 30 is significantly older than Griffin (27) and Jordan (27). With key members of both San Antonio and Golden State in their 30s, this might keep the Clippers relevant and with enough longevity to finally reach the top.
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One popular suggestion has been a Chris Paul-for-Kyrie Irving swap. The Cleveland Cavaliers would gain a strong defensive point guard with experience, poise, and every bit as much talent. With James in his 30s as well, Paul’s timetable would fit better than Irving’s.
For the Clippers, Irving is young (24) with potential for growth in his game and his off-court popularity would only go up living in Los Angeles. His athleticism would be a terror in the open court alongside Griffin and Jordan.
A second option is trading Blake Griffin for a star that offers more spacing. When Griffin was out this year, the Clippers kept the offense flowing with a 4-out system around DeAndre Jordan pick-and-rolls. Griffin is a capable midrange shooter, but has not quite extended his range that extra step back: Griffin shot 33 percent on only 18 three-point attempts this season.
A popular choice here has been a deal with the New York Knicks involving Carmelo Anthony. The Knicks could slide Kristaps Porzingis to center and play him alongside Griffin, a younger player than Anthony who could still be in his prime when Porzingis hits his.
The Clippers could space the court with Anthony as a small-ball 4 and would have a replacement for Griffin’s elite playmaking skills, if an imperfect one.
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