Clarkson to Philly
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Trevor Booker, 2018 second round pick from Cleveland Cavaliers or Brooklyn Nets (more favorable) and 2018 2nd from Los Angeles Clippers or New York Knicks (more favorable)
- Philadelphia 76ers receive: Jordan Clarkson
This trade doesn’t feature any flashy names or intricate pieces exchanging hands, but it serves a purpose for both the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers in what they should be looking to accomplish in the trade deadline.
The 76ers are hoping to make their first postseason appearance since 2012, and have the necessary talent to make some noise in the first round. Their roster is top-heavy, however, with a crowded group of frontcourt players and multiple guards that struggle to create for themselves. In fact, Joel Embiid may be the only player who can get a good look for himself in the halfcourt.
Ben Simmons is their point guard, but he comes with limitations offensively. T.J. McConnell is a fan favorite and has his moments off the bench, but he needs a pick-and-roll to create separation more times than not.
Bringing in Clarkson gives them a player that can run their second-unit with McConnell and improve their bench scoring, which ranks 26th in the league. Clarkson can play off the ball and there’s enough defensive talent. They can afford his contract with Simmons and a lot of their roster on rookie deals or expiring contracts.
The Lakers wouldn’t get the first round pick they wanted, but a pair of second round picks and Booker’s expiring are not a bad alternative. Second round picks are growing in value, too, so they could use all three of there second round picks to potentially jump into the first.
I like this simple trade for both teams; each gets something it needs and nobody is bamboozled.