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Clippers Eyeing Backcourt Upgrade Without Big Sacrifice
30 Jan
Summary
- Clippers aim to sign Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller to standard contracts.
- A potential trade involves sending Kobe Brown and picks for Keon Ellis.
- Keon Ellis makes $2.3 million, keeping Clippers under the first apron.
The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to have a quiet trade deadline as they are performing well. The front office is considering keeping the core together, though a move for Bogdan Bogdanovic remains a possibility.
The team's primary objective is to sign Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller to standard contracts, which requires opening up a roster spot as they currently have 14 players. Chris Paul, who is no longer with the team, and Kobe Brown are prime candidates to be moved.
A strategic trade could involve sending Kobe Brown and multiple second-round picks to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Keon Ellis. Chris Paul could potentially be rerouted to the Los Angeles Lakers. This deal would provide Sacramento with draft compensation for a player they might lose in free agency.
The Clippers would acquire Ellis, a competent guard who shoots 41.4% from three-point range on low volume and offers solid defense. His fit next to James Harden is ideal, providing an on-ball defender and offensive spacing.
Ellis's contract of $2.3 million this season is particularly appealing, keeping the Clippers under the first apron. This move allows them to sign Miller and Sanders to standard deals and potentially add two more players on two-way contracts. While this trade would deplete their future second-round picks, the team can recoup them by moving role players later.
