NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers Eyeing 'Tweener Forward' or 'Backup Center' at Deadline

The Los Angeles Clippers are among the top title contenders in the Western Conference, and it appears they're looking to add at least one more piece ahead of the NBA's Feb. 8 trade deadline.

"The Clippers are searching the trade market for one last player, sources said—likely a tweener forward or backup center," according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.

L.A. is currently headlined by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George at the forward positions, and while Norman Powell is a solid backup, the Clippers could use some more depth ahead of players like Amir Coffey and Kobe Brown.

And while Leonard and George have been mostly healthy this season, there's always the possibility they could miss some time due to injuries given their respective histories.

Since joining the Clippers ahead of the 2019-20 season, Leonard hasn't played more than 57 games in a season and he also missed the entire 2021-22 campaign with a torn ACL.

George also joined the Clippers prior to the 2019-20 campaign and he hasn't played more than 56 games in a season due to numerous injuries, including shoulder, hamstring and elbow ailments.

If either player misses an extended period, it could be devastating for the Clippers given their current lack of depth.

Leonard is averaging 24.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 33 games and George is averaging 23.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 35 games.

As for center depth, the Clippers are led by Ivica Zubac with depth options including Daniel Theis and Mason Plumlee.

Zubac isn't a huge injury risk and the depth options aren't terrible, but an upgrade would seemingly be welcomed.

The Clippers sit fourth in the Western Conference with a 24-13 record and are just two games back of the first-place Minnesota Timberwolves. With the opportunity to put together its best season in several years, it's no surprise L.A. is looking for upgrades.