Clippers trade rumors include an aggressive pursuit for a small forward upgrade

The Los Angeles Clippers are eagerly seeking an upgrade at the small forward position and have reached out to numerous teams to try and make a trade before Thursday’s deadline, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe.

The fourth-seeded Clippers are linked to a number of wing players, including Carmelo Anthony, Wilson Chandler, Jae Crowder, and P.J. Tucker — all of whom could provide the team with a much-needed boost at the small forward spot. For now, the Clips are starting veteran forward Luc Mbah a Moute, a defensive specialist who has never averaged more than 10 points per game in his nine-year career.

It’s clear why Doc Rivers would then look to trade for a proven scorer like Anthony, however, Lowe labeled Rivers’ attempt to acquire the Knicks’ star without giving up any core players a “pipe dream.”

The Celtics reportedly expressed interest in Blake Griffin, but an agreement between the two teams is “extremely unlikely,” according to Lowe. This is partially due to the Clippers’ asking price, a sizable haul that would include Crowder, one of Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart, and picks.

For what seems like the umpteenth year in a row, the Clippers are one legitimate small forward away from championship contention. In recent seasons we’ve seen a revolving door of Mbah a Moute, Wesley Johnson, Paul Pierce, Alan Anderson, and Matt Barnes starting at the three spot, which has contributed to the team’s lack of postseason success.

Landing a player like Anthony or Chandler would provide an immediate jolt to the Clippers’ offense, which could be crucial with Chris Paul recovering for a few more weeks after tearing a ligament in his thumb last month. Tucker is not too much of an upgrade over Mbah a Moute, but would provide depth at the position at much lower asking price.

Moreover, three of the team’s four best players — Paul, Griffin, and J.J. Redick — are slated to become free agents this summer. Paired with a deep playoff run, addressing this major need at the small forward spot could increase the team’s chances of retaining these players in July.

If the Clippers don’t trade for a small forward before the deadline, it’ll likely be due Rivers’ unwillingness to part with his stars. According to Lowe, the Clippers’ primary trade package includes Jamal Crawford, Austin Rivers, and a distant first-round pick — which isn’t enough to obtain Anthony or even Chandler, whom the Nuggets are seeking multiple picks for.

And even if Doc wanted to move a player like Griffin in the aforementioned Crowder deal, the chance Blake could bolt in free agency this summer adds yet another roadblock that could prevent a potential trade.

The Clippers have tried to resolve their small forward woes in the past to no avail, like when they traded Lance Stephenson and a first-round pick to the Grizzlies for Jeff Green last February. Green left in free agency that summer, and the Clippers had nothing but a first-round exit in the playoffs to show for it. The lack of a trade up to this point could mean Rivers is proceeding with more caution this time around.

With a pivotal free agency period approaching and their championship window closing, it could be now or never for the Clippers. They’re currently four games back of the West’s third seed and have already been blown out three times this season by the Golden State Warriors.

Bearing this in mind, it’d be somewhat surprising to see the Clippers stand pat. But if Rivers remains reluctant to move his core pieces, there’s a chance we may not see any trade at all.