Clippers Trade Rumors: Rivals Expect LAC to Make 'At Least' 1 Deal

The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly expected to make "at least one" trade before Thursday's deadline as they attempt to fortify their roster for a deep playoff run.

Marc Stein of the New York Times wrote the Clippers remain interested in adding depth to their big man and wing rotations. It's unclear if they've made any inroads in either department, though talks are expected to heat up around the league this week.

The Clippers have been linked to names like Marcus Morris, Thaddeus Young and Robert Covington. They're also among the cabal of teams that have discussed trading for Andre Iguodala, though it appears more likely that the Memphis Grizzlies will be forced to buy out the veteran swingman. Iguodala has sat out the entire 2019-20 season while the Grizzlies explored the trade market to no avail.

The Clippers, unlike most contenders, do have tradable contracts that make them a viable option to make a splash. Maurice Harkless alone would be enough to get deals done for Morris, Young or Covington under the salary cap. 

Where things get tricky is finding actual assets rebuilding teams would want beyond an expiring contract. The Clippers can trade their 2020 first-round pick, but a selection in the late 20s isn't going to move the needle much—especially for coveted players like Morris and Covington. It's highly unlikely the Clips would be willing to sweeten the pot with Landry Shamet, their best young player and a cost-controlled asset who is an important part of their rotation.

Jerome Robinson is 22 and less than two years removed from being a lottery pick but has not shown anything at the NBA level to warrant optimism. 

It's possible the Clippers could look to make a paradigm-shifting splash and trade for Andre Drummond, who would fill their need in the middle and add a third star to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Adding Drummond would make moving Ivica Zubac more palatable.