NBA Trade Rumors: Arron Afflalo To Los Angeles Clippers

NBA Trade Rumors — The rumor mill rolls on, and the latest word on the street is that the Los Angeles Clippers are interested in Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo.

According to an ESPN report, the Clippers have had preliminary discussion with the Magic:

"The Clippers already had preliminary discussions with the Orlando Magic about trading for shooting guard Arron Afflalo at the pre-draft camp in Chicago, and there is a level of mutual interest on both sides, sources said. ESPN.com’s Chad Ford reported Orlando is interested in a package that would include Caron Butler and Bledsoe, but the talks are preliminary at this point. It’s believed the Clippers would want at least one more asset in order to part with their prized young point guard."

While the Clippers like Bledsoe, he is the team’s best trade chip. The team would also get rid of Butler, who has not been able to contribute that much to the team anymore. Orlando also has a lot of young assets that they could offer in return, so a deal could potentially be made. It’s also understandable that the Clippers are looking to fill the shooting guard spot with a decent defender who can contribute offensively — a job that Arron would be capable of doing.

Afflalo’s season ended early, as he suffered a hamstring injury late in the season and the Magic decided to shut him down. He played in 64 games and averaged 16.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Afflalo took more shots and was more involved offensively, but his shooting percentages dropped significantly.