LA Clippers Rumors: Clippers 'check in' on Derrick Rose, Thaddeus Young is a trade target and more

Following the off-season acquisitions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Los Angeles Clippers entered the 2019-20 season as the heavy favorites to advance from the Western Conference. But while Doc Rivers' team has put together a decent run of form since the turn of the year, they currently trail the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz in the West standings due to an inconsistent start to the season.

Some of LA's shortcomings can be attributed to injuries to key men such as Paul George, but there is no questioning that certain areas of the roster would benefit from upgrades ahead of the trade deadline. So as we approach the final few weeks of the trade window, we take a look at all the latest Clippers rumors you need to know.

#1 Thaddeus Young is being scouted ahead of a potential trade

Thaddeus Young signed with the Chicago Bulls back in July as a free agent

Thaddeus Young signed with the Chicago Bulls as a free agent last summer, but with the team seemingly out of the playoffs race already, the veteran could be moved ahead of the deadline. LA's interest was first reported last month, and NBC Sports Chicago says that the Clippers have a genuine interest in signing the 31-year-old:

A league source previously confirmed to NBC Sports Chicago that the Clippers’ interest in Young is legitimate, which was first reported by the Los Angeles Times. A Clippers scout attended a recent Bulls game despite the fact the teams don’t meet again until April.

So far this season, Young has made 44 appearances for the Bulls, averaging 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest. He is currently in the first season of a three-year, $41 million deal - although just $6 million is guaranteed for the 21-22 campaign.

#2 Clippers 'have checked in' Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose has been Detroit's most impactful player of the season so far

The Detroit Pistons have been among the most disappointing teams this season, but Derrick Rose's performances have not gone unnoticed. The 2011 MVP has continued his career resurgence following an excellent year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the point guard is well in contention to make his first All-Star appearance since 2012.

With the Pistons likely to be sellers ahead of the trade deadline, Rose is attracting interest from a number of teams around the NBA. And Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Clippers have 'checked in' on the veteran:

Rose, 31, is garnering considerable interest that wasn’t there when he was a free agent last summer. The Clippers have checked in on Rose as well, but it was more of a common exploratory talk, sources said.

Since signing with the Pistons on a two-year, $15 million contract last summer, Rose has played 38 times, averaging 18.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.

#3 Montrezl Harrel is being targeted by the Atlanta Hawks

Montrezl Harrell has made a huge impact from the LA bench

Montrezl Harrell enjoyed a breakout 2018-19 season, and the 25-year-old has been among LA's most consistent performers during the first half of this season. However, Harrell's defense has been questioned by some experts, and the big man has less than six months remaining on his existing deal.

Due to this, Harrell's long-term future in Los Angeles is in doubt, and Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report believes that the Clippers could lose him to the Atlanta Hawks:

If the Clippers don't believe they can win with a 6'7" center, especially one hoping for what is believed to be a $20 million-per-season payday, then they risk losing Harrell as a free agent. (Multiple executives believe the Atlanta Hawks could be a summer destination.)

The Hawks are known to be in search of a new center, and it is possible that the team could pursue a deal ahead of the deadline if the Clippers show any intent to move Harrell. The North Carolina native has played 42 times (2 starts) this season, averaging 19.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per contest.