Los Angeles Clippers: 3 players most likely to be traded in 2018-19
By Justin Rowan
The Los Angeles Clippers are looking to get back into the playoffs next season. Which players are most likely to be moved as the team transitions to a new era?
With the Lob City era over, the Los Angeles Clippers are looking to find a new identity. They finished just outside the playoff picture last season, and are hoping that good health and some talented rookies can help get them over the hump in 2018-19.
However, the influx in talent and hopes of good health aren’t enough to guarantee a postseason berth. The Western Conference is deeper than ever and there are as many as 12 teams with a realistic shot at the playoffs.
This reality puts the Clippers in an interesting position. The team likely isn’t going to get involved in an arms race, as the ultimate goal is still free agency next summer.
Should the team become a buyer, it likely wouldn’t make any moves that would jeopardize its future cap space — with the exception being Jimmy Butler, who is reportedly interested in being dealt to the Clippers. If that trade doesn’t come to fruition and the early season doesn’t go as anticipated, then you might start to see the team sell off pieces to jumpstart the rebuild.
The in-between nature of the Clippers’ position makes it tough to pin down which players are most likely to be traded next season. Obviously an arms race would come with a much different strategy than a fire sale.
So with all that in mind, let’s take a look at who is most likely to have their bags packed next season.