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After a disappointing exit in the 2020 NBA playoffs, the LA Clippers have a lot to figure out in the off-season. With the possibility of Kawhi Leonard opting out of his contract in 2021, the franchise should make every possible effort to give itself a realistic chance of winning the title next season. In the light of recent NBA trade rumors surrounding the franchise and the upcoming free agency, the LA Clippers need to make a few key decisions in the off-season.
NBA Trade Rumors: Five crucial decisions the LA Clippers have to make this off-season
While the LA Clippers can opt to play it safe and continue with its same roster next season, NBA trade rumors suggest that the franchise could make some bold moves and play an active role in the off-season. With an objective to be one of the title contenders next season, let us take a look at five crucial decisions the LA Clippers should make in this regard:
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#1 Consider trading away Paul George
LA Clippers traded away nearly half their team in 2019 to acquire Paul George. However, George largely failed to live up to the hype, and his terrible performance was one of the key reasons for the franchise's exit in the 2020 NBA playoffs.
While trading away Paul George might seem like a bizarre idea, there could be more than an outside chance of that happening, as per NBA trade rumors. In case the LA Clippers want to land another marquee superstar, blowing it all up and moving George could be the only way to do so.
#2 Bring in a playmaker
Even though Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have the ability to run the point and make plays, they'd rather prefer concentrating on scoring buckets at the offensive end.
LA Clippers are well aware of this fact and have already expressed their desire to add a playmaker to its roster in the off-season.
As per NBA trade rumors in this regard, stars like Derrick Rose, Chris Paul and Jrue Holiday are on the LA Clippers' radar. It'll be interesting to see if the franchise could come up with trade packages that would convince other teams in the league.
Also read: 5 crucial decisions the LA Lakers have to make this off-season.
#3 Re-sign Marcus Morris
Marcus Morris averaged close to 20 points with 43.9% shooting from the three with the New York Knicks in 2018-19. However, his numbers dipped with the LA Clippers as the 32-year-old had a reduced output last season.
Nevertheless, Morris proved to be a good fit alongside Leonard and George as he provided the much-needed muscle in the paint.
As a power forward, he has the ability to stretch the floor and can also defend multiple positions at the other end. Considering the same, the LA Clippers should look to re-sign Marcus Morris in the 2020 NBA free agency.
#4 The LA Clippers should look to sign a conventional big
Even though the NBA has moved towards 3-pointers and small-ball lineups, a traditional center still has a role to play on a team's roster. In this regard, LA Clippers' Montrezl Harrell is on the smaller side, and Ivica Zubac is too inexperienced.
This weakness of the team was ruthlessly exposed during the 2020 NBA playoffs as the LA Clippers struggled to contain Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic in the second-round series.
The LA Clippers desperately need a big who can match up with the likes of Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic to have a chance in next year's playoffs. NBA trade rumors in this regard suggest that the Brooklyn Nets' Jarrett Allen might be a great option.
#5 Address the lack of leadership on the team
Kawhi Leonard is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league, but he is not a great leader on and off the court.
There were no players in the LA Clippers' lineup this season who could lead the team from the front and hold others accountable for their performances.
Even though the LA Clippers' new head coach Ty Lue might address this concern to an extent, the franchise needs another veteran in its roster who could command the respect of other players.
Acquiring players like Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo could solve the franchise's leadership issues, along with giving the LA Clippers more playmaking options.
