A disappointing start for the Los Angeles Clippers sees the team heavily mentioned on the rumor mill looking to upgrade the roster. Kawhi Leonard recently returning from his injury, and James Harden playing his best basketball in many years gives them a chance to bounce back. However, a trade is needed to upgrade the rest of the roster.
Bradley Beal being ruled out for the season due to injury led to rumors of the Clippers having interest in DeMar DeRozan. The Sacramento Kings also have dealt with a brutal start and need to make moves since they have too many veterans on the roster. DeRozan having the same skill set as Zach LaVine makes it a tough task for the Kings to compete with them on the court together.
NBA analyst Jake Weinbach confirmed that the Clippers would look to give up power forward John Collins in a potential trade. DeRozan and Collins make similar money to have an even swap, without needing to add other contracts or picks. Both teams may want to add other pieces to the deal, but the Clippers have an easy one for one trade concept in mind.
Would DeMar DeRozan Help The Clippers?
One of the reasons that the Clippers show interest in DeRozan is Leonard’s health history. Kawhi has the injury prone label and often misses dozens of games per season. Los Angeles is not expected to play Leonard in back-to-back games any time soon either due to his limitations and load management planning.
DeRozan is a hometown boy that always dreamed of playing for either the Clippers or Los Angeles Lakers. Sacramento signing DeRozan in free agency is the closest he’s come to that since he was still able to make California his home again. The Clippers would get a fan favorite to both help in Leonard’s absences and provide more depth.
Most offseason moves have hurt the Clippers after they hoped adding more veterans could help them contend. Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, and Beal have all been disappointing additions. Collins has been fine, but the team needs more than he can offer to raise their ceiling. DeRozan would help the Clippers at least raise their chances to contend.
Would The Kings Trade DeMar DeRozan?
Sacramento has too many similar-minded players on one roster to do anything of note. DeRozan, LaVine, Dennis Schroder, and Russell Westbrook all sharing the ball as primary guards leads to the offense struggling since everyone is used to playing with the ball in their hands.
Collins could diversify the offense and provide a second frontcourt mate to help Domantas Sabonis when he returns. However, it could also boost the future since Sabonis is rumored to potentially hit the trade market for the Kings. Collins is a young and athletic power forward that helps their future more than an aging wing.
DeRozan is expendable and on a fair contract for someone of his stature. The Clippers taking a swing at a home run acquisition makes sense, but it’s even more logical for Sacramento to move on from him. Time will tell if the Clippers go all in on DeRozan as their big add this season.
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