The Los Angeles Clippers have made some significant moves to become a more competitive side in the Western Conference. Although trading Norman Powell to the Miami Heat caused a shortfall in their backcourt rotation, the Clippers compensated by adding a capable power forward in John Collins.
With additional signings such as Brook Lopez in free agency, LA has done a tremendous job of boosting its roster strength. In this regard, the Clippers could also look to get stronger, as recent rumors have presented them as the likely landing spot for Bradley Beal after he clears waivers.
Meanwhile, teams like the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics have also shown an intention to make changes to their roster in the offseason. As the Mavs pursue more depth to reinforce their bench, the Celtics look to offload salaries to get under the second apron.
When considering that Beal may be drawn to the Golden State Warriors instead, the Clippers would be left seeking a solid replacement. Given how the needs of all three teams would align at this juncture, we present a potential trade idea that could be beneficial for all the parties involved.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Anfernee Simons
Boston Celtics Receive: Klay Thompson, Dwight Powell, 2031 first-round pick (DAL), 2032 second-round pick (LAC)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn, 2026 second-round pick (MEM)
The Clippers Acquire Their Starting Shooting Guard
In this scenario, the Clippers would be adding a lot of offensive firepower to their backcourt with the addition of Anfernee Simons from the Boston Celtics. While Simons may not replicate Powell's impact, he offers offensive versatility.
Simons played in 70 games with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, where he recorded an impressive average of 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game. His shooting splits of 42.6% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range were also worth taking note of.
Simons blends athleticism with effective long-range shooting ability, allowing him to be a scoring threat from every spot on the floor. Although he would be a key addition to the Celtics' roster, the team has been forced to engage in trades for their newest addition to avoid the perils of the second luxury tax apron.
At only 26 years old, Simons has room to grow, but his talent is undeniable. In a system featuring stalwarts like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the young guard would benefit from learning at the hands of some of the best in the game. His subsequent development would be a necessity as the Clippers prepare to mount a title charge.
The Celtics Add Key Veterans On Short-Term Deals
The upcoming season is expected to be a gap year for the Boston Celtics after making significant roster changes, but the team can still aspire to be competitive. While this trade would see Anfernee Simons on the way out, Boston would see the addition of Klay Thompson and Dwight Powell instead.
Parting ways with Simons is a means of getting under the second apron, and the addition of Thompson and Powell allows the team to do just that.
Thompson currently has two years left on his deal with a $16.6 million cap hit for next season. Meanwhile, Powell is on an expiring contract with a cap hit of $4.0 million. This trade allows the Celtics to shave $7.0 million in salary while acquiring two capable veterans and draft picks.
Even at this stage in his career, Thompson remains a viable shooting guard option. Having played with the Dallas Mavericks last season, Thompson notched an average of 14.0 points on shooting splits of 41.2% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. Although he may not be a starter on the Celtics, he could be a vital player off the bench.
Meanwhile, Powell's addition could be crucial in bolstering the team's depleted big man rotation. The 33-year-old only averaged 2.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per game last season, owing to his limited playing time. But with Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford leaving the team, Boston would do well to add an athletic big man like Powell to fill out their frontcourt.
Along with the two savvy veterans, the Celtics would also acquire the 2031 first-round pick from Dallas, along with a 2032 second-round pick from the Clippers. These additional picks would be vital for Boston as they would look to make major trades in the summer to emerge as a title contender again.
The Mavs Add Vital Rotation Pieces
The Dallas Mavericks, as constructed, are primed to be a playoff team next season. Although some injuries may affect their chances early on, the Mavs have all the pieces in place to be competitive.
This trade would simply allow Dallas to reinforce their roster with vital rotation pieces. The addition of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kris Dunn would bolster the Mavs' bench rotation.
Bogdanovic remains a lethal shooter on the perimeter. His performance with the Clippers last season supports this, as he recorded an average of 10.8 points, while shooting 42.7% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range. Though not as effective as Thompson in catch-and-shoot situations, he offers greater scoring versatility.
The addition of Kris Dunn would be massive for the Mavericks' defense. Dunn was the primary point of attack defender for the Clippers last season. Drawing upon the task of guarding some of the best players in the league, the 6'3" guard held his own by utilizing his length and quickness.
Although his offensive contributions left more to be desired, with an average of 6.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, his defensive contributions of 1.7 steals per game are a welcome sight.
Dallas would also acquire a second-round pick as part of this deal. While considering the shortages in their war chest of assets, the Mavericks will look to build up their draft capital again.
The Clippers Win This Deal
Although all three teams benefit from this trade, it is quite clear that the Clippers come out on top. The addition of a gifted scoring guard in the form of Anfernee Simons is bound to boost their offensive production while addressing an immediate roster concern.
Along with this, LA still has the opportunity to strengthen its roster depth by re-signing some players or acquiring more talent in free agency. All things considered, the Clippers could become one of the best teams in the West.
