NBA Trade Deadline 2020: 5 trades to help the rich get richer

4. Clippers shuffle frontcourt

Armed with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, it’s abundantly clear the Los Angeles Clippers are title contenders and have the talent to make winning a championship a reality. Currently occupying the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the Clippers could theoretically stand pat at the NBA trade deadline and make a viable run through the playoffs. However, they could also make their lives easier.

Make no mistake, forward Montrezl Harrell has been phenomenal for the Clippers this season. He’s fourth on the team in scoring behind Leonard, George and Lou Williams at 19.1 points per game, the only player outside of the top three to average double figures. Moreover, he’s a relentless presence on both ends of the floor, averaging 7.2 rebounds and one block per game.

Unfortunately, the undersized forward can sometimes cause the Clippers issues on the defensive end of the floor. Particularly when you look ahead to potential playoff matchups against a team such as the Denver Nuggets with Nikola Jokic, Harrell becomes a liability. Throw in that he’s also on an expiring contract and the Clippers could well look to trade him and change the complexion of their frontcourt.

One option would be to trade Harrell for backcourt depth and give Ivica Zubac an increased role. The other option, however, would be to take a big swing and try to lure Steven Adams away from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While the Thunder are currently in the playoff picture, Adams’ contract in relation to his production and role doesn’t match up. As Oklahoma City looks to get younger, it could aim to get Adams off the books and still keep playoff hopes intact by adding the talented Harrell with the hope of re-signing him. For the Clippers, they would be getting the physical post presence they need to rotate with Zubac and better prepare them for the Western Conference playoffs.