5 trades to revitalize the Los Angeles Clippers

4. J.J. Redick, Wesley Johnson to the Charlotte Hornets for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

This trade could work for two reasons. First, J.J. Reddick is a great scorer, but defense isn’t a strong suit. Second, Kidd-Gilchrist has potential to be a good scorer, but defense is his strong area. Because Kidd-Gilchrist is younger by nearly ten years, the Clippers get an offensive project but a much-needed defensive ace.

The Clippers need a Bruce Bowen, Tony Allen type player that isn’t afraid to get down and dirty on defense. Kidd-Gilchrist is that player. Not known for his stats, Kidd-Gilchrist has gained a reputation around the league as an elite on-ball defender. If he joins the Clippers, he can matchup with the Kevin Durants and Kawhi Leonards of the world.

But the Clippers should also understand, that if they do execute this trade, it’s a high risk. Redick has proven he can be a valid third option, never averaging less than 15.2 points per game as a Clippers member. But, his scoring output has yet to get the Clippers over the hump. The Clippers have plenty of scoring power, but it hasn’t registered them much success in the postseason. A change in direction needs to be made. Going defense on the perimeter is a swift, but needed direction.