The 2024 NBA offseason is coming, and the Clippers' 3 early trade targets are really good.
Whatever happens, the Clippers will have to figure out their star players first, but all three are reasonable trade targets.
The Los Angeles Clippers have faced a plethora of problems in the offseason and are likely to be active in the trade market after being eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks, who have several targets on their sights.
Los Angeles was once again missing one of those star players in the playoffs, and when healthy, Kawhi Leonard was one of the best two-way players in the NBA, but he struggled in Game 2 and Game 3 of the series.
After acquiring James Harden earlier this season, the Clippers were expected to dive deep into the playoffs. Both Harden and Paul George are now in the free agent market, and it's possible that one or both of them will leave. There is less market for Harden, but there are multiple teams that will pursue George.
The Clippers offered George multiple contracts below the maximum wage, but he refused to test free agency.
Los Angeles have two options in the offseason, they can either dismantle the team and rebuild their stars to amass young assets and replenish their draft picks, or they can continue to go all out.
The Clippers will almost certainly opt for the latter, as their owner, Steve Ballmer, wants to maintain their star halo when they move into their own arena, the Intuit Dome, next season.
With that in mind, let's take a look at three Clippers trade targets for the 2024 NBA offseason.
1. Dorian Finney-Smith
One trade target the Clippers could pursue is Dorian Finney-Smith, regardless of whether they re-sign Harden and George. Finney-Smith is a quality 3-and-D forward who plays for the Brooklyn Nets, who have not had a good season this season.
Finney-Smith would be a target for many teams if the Nets were to sell, and he would fit into the defensive forward role favored by Clippers management. In addition to Leonard and George, the Clippers have forwards such as Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, and PJ Tucker in the 3 and D roles.
Finney-Smith is averaging 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game this season while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three-point range.
The 31-year-old is an excellent role player, and the Clippers could trade him for PJ Tucker's contract, and Tucker is likely to accept his $11 million player option. They may need additional assets, but they have the money to do it.
If Los Angeles can get Finney-Smith, he would be a good fit as a role player.
2. Larry Nance
Another target for the Clippers should be Larry Nance, who is a small-ball center who has been outstanding with the New Orleans Pelicans.
He has been outstanding on both ends and will earn $11.2 million next season. The deal is once again in line with Tucker's contract, making him a viable role player.
Nance's versatility on the defensive end makes him the perfect small-ball option for the Clippers' lineup, averaging 5.7 points, five rebounds, 1.9 assists and one steal per game with the Pelicans this season while shooting 57.3 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from three-point range.
New Orleans wants to compete, but given that Brandon Ingram's future is uncertain and some major changes may be on the horizon, the Clippers should call to ask if Nance is available.
3. Nick Richards
One of the traditional backup centers that Los Angeles could consider acquiring is Nick Richards, an underrated player who has quietly emerged as a good big man with the Charlotte Hornets.
Richards is averaging 9.7 points and eight rebounds per game this season while shooting 69.1 percent from the field and averaging 1.1 blocks per game.
Richards is a quality under-the-basket defender and rebounder, very efficient, and the 26-year-old has a contract worth $5 million per year for the next two seasons. With this cheap contract in mind, the Clippers should make an offer for Richards.
The Clippers face a lot of problems heading into the offseason as George and Harden are about to become free agents. However, it's also important to promote role players, with Dorian Finney-Smith, Larry Nance and Nick Richards being potential targets.
To be honest, these 3 reinforcement targets of the Clippers offseason can perfectly assist the small card, if the Clippers really win, they will no longer be afraid of Harden and George leaving.