NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers Can Steal Lakers' Thunder with Deal for Chris Paul

The Los Angeles Clippers must be tired of hanging out in the Lakers' shadow because it appears they are ready to make a big splash once the lockout officially ends. The Clippers are interesting in acquiring either Dwight Howard or Chris Paul, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.

Both players are potential free agents next offseason, so their current teams will be looking to acquire some type of package for them if an extension isn't possible. The Clippers are willing to deal anybody other than Blake Griffin to get a deal done.

While Howard would give Los Angeles' “other” team the best frontcourt duo in the league, he'll be in higher demand due to a lack of dominant big men.

That probably makes Paul a smarter target. He's an upgrade over Mo Williams and would still be an elite addition to help the Clippers finally get one up on their in-town rivals. That's a feeling Clipper fans have been craving for years.

Los Angeles has no shortage of young talent, which should make a trade possible. DeAndre Jordan is a restricted free agent that might interest the New Orleans Hornets and he'll still be stuck behind Chris Kaman for another season anyway. Other names that might get thrown around include Ryan Gomes, Randy Foye or Eric Bledsoe.

New Orleans would also be looking to get some draft picks to help them rebuild without their star player, but it appears that won't deter Los Angeles from attempting to make a deal.

Adding Howard or Paul to play alongside the wildly popular Griffin would be an instant public relations boom for the Clippers. They've played second fiddle to the Lakers for so long that it will take a huge splash for them to stop becoming the punchline on late-night TV. Both All-Stars certain fit that bill.

It's setting up to be the most exciting couple of weeks in recent memory, not only for the Clippers, but for the entire NBA. Between a huge number of free agents looking for new homes and potential trades, the holiday season will end up treating certain fan bases very nicely.

Clippers fans are just hoping they are part of that group.