5 trades to revitalize the Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers are struggling and still seem a tier below the Golden State Warriors. Here are five trades the Clippers could do to give the team a chance to contend for a title.

When Kevin Durant elected to sign with the Golden State Warriors this past summer, the rest of the NBA knew they were in for a long season. Durant, coupled with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green is perhaps the best nucleus to ever start for a team. So far, the Warriors have proved everyone right. They currently sit at 44-8 and are in prime position to contend for another title. This have left teams scurrying to add pieces to their roster. Even LeBron James has pressured his front office for further assistance.

One team that was supposed to be a threat to the Warriors, was the Los Angeles Clippers. But, injuries, plus three losses to the Warriors have hindered those aspirations. Their second loss was a 144-98 embarrassment as Curry went off for 43 and drained nine 3-pointers. So, it’s apparent if the 32-21 Clippers want to truly compete with the Warriors, extra firepower is needed.

The NBA trade deadline is slowly but surely approaching, but who could be the best fit for the Clippers? Which players need to be dealt and who needs to stay? Obviously, the Clippers have rightfully been reluctant on trading Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. But, those three alone may benefit from one more core piece. Here, are some suggestions of trade options for the Clippers.

5.  DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Johnson to the Detroit Pistons for Andre Drummond, Stanley Johnson, and Henry Ellenson

DeAndre Jordan has come a long way in his NBA career. Originally just a player good enough to start but not good enough to be a featured player, Jordan has blossomed on the defensive end under head coach Doc Rivers since his arrival in 2013. Since his arrival, he’s never averaged under 1.7 blocks and 13.6 rebounds per game. His scoring improved, too, averaging 11.7 points on 69.7 percent shooting. But, more scoring is what the Clippers need in order to compete. Detroit Pistons star Andre Drummond could be a candidate to supply that.

Drummond is a similar player to Jordan offensively, although not quite the defensive player. Drummond could flourish for a Clippers team with the talent the starters and the bench have. Griffin, Paul, J.J. Reddick and Jamal Crawford could all stretch the floor and leave Drummond by his lonesome getting easy baskets. Theoretically he could benefit from the group around him and perhaps be even more productive than Jordan

While Jordan would be the highest profile name here, Stanley Johnson could be key. The Clippers have struggled to get production from the small forward position and Johnson has potential to provide help both offensively and defensively. He’s a project but he fits a huge need.