NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers Should Trade Baron Davis and Go With Eric Bledsoe

Eric Bledsoe has started the last three games at point guard for the Los Angeles Clippers due to an injury that has Baron Davis sidelined.  

In those three starts, Bledsoe has averaged 12.7 points, eight assists and two steals per game.  He's shot 57 percent from the field and 60 percent from three-point range.  Most importantly, the Clippers have looked much more dynamic with Bledsoe at the point.

He was particularly impressive tonight against the Denver Nuggets.  He had 12 points, 13 assists, and looked like a leader whenever he was on the floor.

In Baron Davis's three games, he's averaged 10.3 points and 5.3 assists per game.  He's shooting 32 percent from the field and 11 percent from three-point.  

The sample size for a comparison between Davis and Bledsoe is small, but Davis has been failing to live up to expectations since joining this team.

The future is now for the Clippers.  Sticking with Baron Davis may only serve to prolong the development of this young team.

Bledsoe, Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin could be a solid young core to build around.  The more regular season minutes they play together, the better.  

Committing to these younger guys for the sake of building chemistry is a risk, but the Portland Trailblazers and Oklahoma City Thunder did it.  It worked out alright for them.

So, if the Clippers are truly ready to move beyond the forgettable Baron Davis era, which team might be willing to trade for the former All-Star?  Let's see...

Milwaukee Bucks

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MILWAUKEE - JANUARY 22: Michael Redd #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks steps to the foul line against the Phoenix Suns at the Bradley Center on January 22, 2008 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Suns won 114-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

The Deal: Michael Redd for Baron Davis

The Bucks could pull the trigger on a deal like this because they're already quite deep at the wing positions with Corey Maggette, John Salmons, Carlos Delfino and Chris Douglas-Roberts.  Plus, they clearly miss the presence of a solid backup point guard.

Last year, Luke Ridnour was great for them off the bench.  Baron probably wouldn't be too excited to back up 21 year old Brandon Jennings.  That could be a bit of a headache for coach Scott Skiles.

It makes sense for the Clippers because Redd is on an expiring contract.  If he played well, they could re-sign him after the season.  If not, they could let him go and wipe 18 million off the books.

New York Knicks

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 04: Eddy Curry of the New York Knicks sits on the bench and watches his teammates take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on November 4, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow

The Deal: Eddy Curry for Baron Davis

This would have made a lot more sense prior to the start of the season.  The way that Raymond Felton and backup Toney Douglas have played has basically ruled this possibility out.

However, Davis could resurrect his career in Mike D'Antoni's system.  He's actually a very good distributor when he wants to be.  He's averaged 7.3 assists per game for his career.

It makes sense for Los Angeles only because Eddy Curry is on an expiring contract.  As I said with Michael Redd, at the end of the year the Clippers could let Curry go and wipe 11 million off the books.

Charlotte Bobcats

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CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 26: Boris Diaw #32 of the Charlotte Bobcats dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 26, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Magic defeated the Bobcats 99-90 to complete the four game sweep.

The Deal: Boris Diaw and Matt Carroll for Baron Davis

The Charlotte Bobcats look much worse than they did last season when they went to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.  One possible reason for the letdown this year: the loss of starting point guard Raymond Felton.

Davis would definitely be the starting point guard if Charlotte brought him in, and it wouldn't be his first rodeo there.  He actually played his first three seasons in Charlotte before the team relocated to New Orleans.  

The Bobcats would be giving up more value than the other two teams I've mentioned.  If they want a point guard bad enough, they'll probably need to give up a solid player.

It Could Be Very Difficult For The Clippers to Unload Baron Davis

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Baron Davis #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts as he leaves the floor during a 98-88 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on October 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknow

The likelihood of the Clippers actually being able to ship Baron Davis off is pretty slim.  There really aren't many teams that would be willing to pay this guy for two more seasons after this one.  

Many teams have given their starting point guard jobs to young up and coming players.  The Clippers need to follow the trend if they want to compete in the future.

If they're unable to trade Baron Davis, they may have to bring him off the bench for the next few years in order to get Eric Bledsoe the experience and the minutes I feel he deserves.