The competition between the Clippers and the Warriors is becoming tighter this season. The Clippers held the first rank in the Western Conference for a long time since the 2016-2017 season started, with the Warriors tailing them. Now that the Warriors got the chance to leap ahead of the clippers with only one loss difference, both teams are being rumored to be making changes that will improve their roster.
The Clippers are seemingly very determined to replace the Warriors in a court bout with the Cavaliers this year. The Western Conference biggest contender is then reportedly fixing its lineup for a couple of trades that surprisingly involve their biggest players. It is quite odd to sacrifice Chris Paul and Blake Griffin at this time of the playoffs, most especially that their tandem is the main drive that placed the Clippers on top of the standings this season. However, the superstars were not able to avoid the rumors to hit them, especially Griffin whose $95 million for 5 years contract extension will expire next year.
Stephen Curry-Chris Paul Swap
Paul is the best player that the Clippers are babying this season. The Warriors, on the other hand, have Curry. Previous rumors have it that Curry will be heading to the Clippers next season after his contract with the Warriors ends, and it is theorized that Paul will be taking his place.
Being known as the best three-point shooter in the league, Curry is said to be playing better with the Clippers since he will have Griffin and DeAndre Jordan guarding the inside, making him have more open threes. Paul, on the other hand, is said to be one of the best in the assists, averaging on 9.9. With the Warriors reportedly fixing their defensive play, Paul is said to be one of the best bets that the team is considering.
This trade scenario has been labelled as close to impossible, but it might be considered soon by both teams when the two star players will go on free agency after the season.
Blake Griffin For Pau Gasol
A power forward to power forward deal is being rumored to happen before the trade deadline between the Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs. Griffin is entering the unrestricted free agency very soon and the 27-year-old player is rumored to be replaced by the veteran, Gasol.
The trade rumor started when reports surfaced claiming that Griffin might opt to terminate his contract in the 2017-2018 season. It is unclear why the Clippers PF should choose to play with the Spurs, but with the team's current standing at the third place it might also be considered as a fine decision. The Clippers, on the other hand, might benefit greatly from the trade since Gasol is a talented player plus he has been in the league for 15 years now. His long experience plus his excellent offensive and defensive skills are said to be Gasol's best contribution which will help the Clippers become a tough contender in the next seasons.
Jamal Crawford For Rudy Gay
Recent trade rumors have it that Rudy Gay will be leaving the Sacramento Kings and will be heading somewhere else after the current NBA season. While some teams are reportedly interested in the Kings small forward, it is suggested that the Clippers is his best destination. The Clippers' shooting guard, Jamal Crawford, is then rumored to be the trading piece that will move to the Kings.
Theories suggest that Gay will boost the Clippers' bench production. However, the deal is deemed close to impossible since the 30-year-old player has been in the starting five with the Kings.
The Clippers To Stay Solid In The Coming Seasons
Some NBA enthusiasts might have been surprised how the Clippers held the top place both in the Western Conference and the overall league standing this season for a long while. With the team's roster obviously doing each of their parts, the Clippers recently said that no one in the team will be released.
The Clippers are having the best season this 2016-2017. With the Paul and Griffin tandem leading the team, the Clippers have performed strongly with only four losses so far. The race is still long towards the finals, and the Clippers intend to keep its lineup intact. Hence, the trade rumors might only go as far as suggestions, and none of them will materialize until the NBA 2016-2017 ends at least.
