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For a Los Angeles Clippers franchise that just reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history, the expectation is to build on that performance the following season. Superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have missed the majority of the current campaign already, but there's no doubt they would welcome another individual with tremendous upside in Zion Williamson.
Williamson played one year at Duke before entering the NBA and is still just 21 years old. The potential he possesses would be a rare breed for the Clippers to add to their roster. The Clippers have the salary fillers and role players to possibly build a Big Three and have a more formidable team for the long term.
Moreover, the Clippers already gave up their young star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander along with a plethora of draft picks. With that in mind, acquiring Williamson would give them a young star to build around their two prominent stars—just one of the reasons LA should try trade for the former No. 1 pick this summer.
3 reasons Clippers must trade for Zion Williamson this offseason
Athletic, versatile wings thrive with Lue
Aside from Leonard and George, L.A. has a slew of forwards who flourish on both ends, like Norman Powell, Marcus Morris Sr. and Robert Covington. Their versatility and ability to contribute in various ways on the court is an asset that Lue would get from Williamson. As a former player, the mentorship and guidance from Lue would be instrumental, unlocking his weaknesses and timidness to be more assertive on the floor.
Williamson's offense is unquestioned already despite just being in the league for a short period, but it is his defensive awarenesses and anticipation that could still be enhanced immensely. That would definitely be a gradual process, especially with his lingering injuries. However, progress could come quicker in the Clippers organization because of the individuals who would be willing to impart philosophies and principles that have been integral to the team excelling defensively.
Most role players are not on expiring contracts
If Williamson forces their hand into trading him, the New Orleans Pelicans would prefer to receive incredible role players still able to play on their squad for one full season at the minimum. With Covington as its lone player in a contract year, this is the best offseason for L.A. to negotiate a blockbuster trade involving Williamson.
The Pelicans' interest in negotiating with the Clippers will continually decrease if they need to take back expiring contracts in a Williamson trade. His injury-plagued career means that his value is at its lowest; LA won't have another chance to buy low a player with obvious superstar upside. On the other hand, as the role players of the Clippers are flourishing without Leonard and George, their value has continuously increased as the season has progressed.
Zion is younger than the core
When constructing a team, the focus and goals of the front office must look beyond the present and immediate future. Decision-makers must consider their team's long-term future as well, and with the king's ransom they paid the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for George, it will be a tough rebuild for the Clippers if their current core never reaches its championship peak.
If Leonard, George and other key pieces eventually depart from L.A., Williamson would still be the foundational asset needed to build the next great iteration of the Clippers. Additionally, Williamson's presence would give other free agents a major reason to join forces with him in Southern California to form a legitimate squad that would compete with the powerhouses in the Western Conference. The successful seasons of the Clippers would extend for a longer stretch due to Williamson's immense talent at just 21 years old.
