Clippers Trade Rumors Tracker: Latest Updates Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline

With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching on Feb. 19, the Los Angeles Clippers are a fascinating case study when trying to figure out what direction they will take.

The Clippers certainly aren't going to be sellers, as they are firmly in the playoffs as of right now, but their record is deceiving. Doc Rivers' team was 13-14 against playoff teams entering Wednesday's game against Houston. 

On top of that, Blake Griffin is expected to be out for at least the next three weeks after having surgery to remove a staph infection in his right elbow, per Dan Woike of the Orange County Register:

"

Blake Griffin underwent successful surgery and will be reevaluated in 3 weeks pic.twitter.com/hhPEzVbJb1

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 10, 2015 "

All of this means the Clippers clearly need to add more talent if they want to compete for a championship this year. Here's a glimpse at what the team is looking to do in anticipation of the trade deadline. 

Continue for updates.

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Clippers Lack Assets to Land Afflalo, Wilson Chandler

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that the Clippers currently lack the necessary parts to complete a trade for Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo. Wojnarowski also noted specifically that "the Clippers have probed the market with Jamal Crawford to see if there's a way to acquire a first-round pick that could help them make a competitive offer to Denver for Wilson Chandler or Arron Afflalo, league sources said."

On Feb. 11, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that the Clips were looking to acquire the guard. 

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Report: Clippers Interested in Arron Afflalo

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Despite having a strong collection of talent, the Clippers aren't a well-constructed team. Blake Griffin (before his injury), Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan are exciting to watch, but the lack of an all-around shooting guard and wing defender looks like a weakness. 

While the options are limited at this stage, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported the Clippers are among the teams that have called Denver about Arron Afflalo:

However, if anyone is going to deal for Afflalo, Shelburne notes that a team should be prepared to pay a heavy price:

Afflalo would actually be a perfect fit for the Clippers if they are willing to meet the steep asking price. He's a decent offensive player, averaging 14.5 points per game with a low shooting percentage under 43, and still has some value on defense. 

According to Basketball Reference, Afflalo's 0.6 defensive win shares would rank second behind Jamal Crawford (0.7) among shooting guards on the Clippers' current roster. He's not a lockdown defender but would be an upgrade over most of what's already in place. 

Whether that makes Afflalo—who is in the last guaranteed year of his contract and holds a player option for next season—worth a first-round pick is something the Clippers must decide soon. It can't be a 2015 pick, as the Boston Celtics own Los Angeles' first selection as compensation for hiring Rivers in 2013.