The Los Angeles Clippers cashed in a win-now move and acquired Norman Powell and Robert Covington from the Portland Trail Blazers last Friday. This trade gives an indication that the Clippers are still going all in on winning a championship in the foreseeable future, despite Kawhi Leonard and Paul George's return status this season still up in the air. In many ways, this sets them up to truly compete next season, when both their superstar wings come back fully healthy, but it obviously also helps this season as well.
LA's front office may not be done making moves just yet. The Clippers could very well look to make another splash ahead of the trade deadline. With that said, what kind of move should the Clippers make before Feb. 10 to bolster their roster even further?
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Next trade Clippers must make before NBA trade deadline
The Powell-Covington deal cost them their backup point guard in Eric Bledsoe. Their only point guard right now in the rotation is Reggie Jackson, and even he's somewhat of a combo guard rather than a traditional one. As such, the Clips will likely look to acquire depth at that position before the deadline.
One name that has been linked to the Clippers is Houston Rockets guard John Wall. LA has reportedly been keeping an eye on acquiring the five-time All-Star from Houston.
Wall has not played at all this season, with the Rockets fully focused into developing their young talent. Both sides agreed earlier this season to explore a deal that could land Wall in a favorable spot to compete for a title. The Clippers would be the perfect destination for him.
Trading the 11-year veteran, however, is harder said than done. Wall is making $44.3 million this season and will surely cash in on his $47.3 million player option for the 2022-23 season. But even with his seemingly untradeable contract, there is a pathway for the Clippers to make a trade happen.
To acquire Wall, LA should be able to match salaries by packaging Marcus Morris, Serge Ibaka, and Luke Kennard together and sending the trio to Houston, or one of them to a third team. The Clippers are reportedly looking to shop Morris and Ibaka, while Kennard is now an expendable asset after they acquired Powell. The Clippers will most likely need to attach a second-round pick or two, or maybe even their 2028 first-rounder to pull off a deal.
For a Clippers team that might not be able to compete this year with the injuries to their two stars, going after Wall now could be a good way to get him ready and integrate himself into Tyronn Lue's system as they prepare for a title run next season.
Even if he's sitting still on the sidelines, the 31-year-old is still working out and maintaining game shape. Wall has reportedly been a professional in this whole ordeal and is still providing some guidance for Houston's young talent.
While he haven't seen Wall on the floor in a while, he should still be a key contributor for a championship-caliber team. After missing nearly two years of NBA basketball, the former Duke star still looked much like his All-Star self last season. In 40 games in 2020-21, Wall averaged 20.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.
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