LA Clippers: Pass or pursue on three rumored NBA trade deadline targets

Should the LA Clippers pass on or pursue rumored trade target Terry Rozier?

Arguably the biggest name on the list, Mannix reports that the LA Clippers have a “strong internal interest” in trading for Terry Rozier. 

Their interest is justifiable, considering Rozier is currently having the best season of his career with the Charlotte Hornets. Averaging 20.1 points on .476/.419/.842 shooting splits, 3.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, the guard has been on a tear with this new-look Hornets team.

Partially thanks to Rozier’s efforts, the Hornets are currently in the playoff picture for the first time since the 2015-16 season. If they are indeed planning on making an all-out push for the postseason, they will justifiably be reluctant to shake things up by moving Rozier. However, if they are potentially open to trading him to hand rookie phenom LaMelo Ball the keys to the franchise, the Clippers must do what it takes to get him on the roster.

Rozier would give LA the playmaker they are longing for in the backcourt, but he would also provide them with a significant scoring threat to complement their two stars. While he would not make the Clippers the title favorites on impact, his presence would undoubtedly increase their stock as the Western Conference postseason race heats up.

As it is with any trade target for LA, the challenging part is making it work financially. Making $18.9 million this season, the Clippers would have to pull some serious strings even to kick the tires on a potential Rozer deal, and their limited draft capital makes a trade even more far-fetched. Still, Rozier would be a top-tier acquisition in their chase for a title if they could pull it off.

The Verdict: Pursue