5 trades to revitalize the Los Angeles Clippers

2. Blake Griffin to the New Orleans Pelicans for Anthony Davis and a first round draft pick

Okay, here it could get interesting.

If you compare the two, Blake Griffin and Anthony Davis are somewhat similar. They both are long, athletic power forwards who can score at will. They both rebound proficiently and are able to stretch the floor. But, it could be safe to argue that Davis became what Blake Griffin should have been. Davis has been on a tear this season, averaging 27.6 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. Griffin, although hampered by injuries, is having a solid season, too. Griffin is averaging 21.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

The first round pick would compensate for Griffin and his repeated injuries in his career, as well as the fact that he’s four years older than Davis. Both players are effective so the plausibility of this trade rests mostly on the idea of both teams wanting to shake up their chemistry and inertia.

With Davis, the Clippers have a scoring dynamo that’s younger, more explosive and more effective defensively. Also, Davis could form a lethal 1-2 defensive punch with DeAndre Jordan. With both players as elite rim protectors and aggressive rebounders, the Clippers will go from just a high-flying team with a presence in the middle, to a team with two forces in the paint. Offensively, Davis would stretch the floor and also be a member of lob city. Defensively, he could turn the Clippers into a defense-first team out west. To have any chance against the Warriors and their talent, strong defense, coupled with a strong offense is a necessity.