The speculation around the NBA trade deadline has been frustrating thus far for Los Angeles Lakers fans. Even though the team has shown potential in recent weeks, the front office seemingly does not think this team is good enough to make a splashy trade that could make them a contender.
Add in the fact that Russell Westbrook has been up to his usual antics here recently and there is even more of a reason to make a trade. Barring a massive surprise, it seems unlikely that the front office will actually make the bold move that fans are waiting for.
The only positive news that Lakers fans are getting out of the trade deadline speculation thus far is the Los Angeles Clippers’ reported trade targets. Instead of being in pain over bad targets the Lakers pursue, fans of the purple and gold might be able to enjoy a bad Clippers trade at the deadline.
The Clippers are interested in Mike Conley, per @TheSteinLine
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 16, 2023
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Lakers fans should get a kick out of Clippers’ reported interest in Mike Conley trade.
NBA insider Marc Stein listed the Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves as two teams that are interested in trading for Utah’s Mike Conley. Conley is still somewhat of a big name in the NBA so this might not seem like something to laugh about if you are a fan of the Lakers.
In reality, Conley is not going to offer much to the Clippers and might go down as yet another bad acquisition by the team. Every Clippers move is met with big admiration initially until it unfolds in front of everyone’s face. This would be a similar circumstance if Conley is traded to LA.
Conley is not the same player that he was even three seasons ago. The veteran point guard is averaging 10.3 points and 7.5 assists per game in 29.4 minutes. Undersized guards (Conley is six-one) do not age well in this league and that has been on full display over the last two years.
As a result, we have seen Conley’s defensive impact take a dip as well. His defense has been so poor that it has made him a below-average player as far as the analytics are concerned. Conley has a -0.5 Box Plus/Minus, with zero being considered average.
It would be one thing if Conley was a cheap veteran contract but that is not the case at all. His salary is $22.6 million and he has another year on his deal at $24.3 million. That final year is partially guaranteed ($14.3 million) and becomes fully guaranteed 48 hours after the NBA Draft.
The Clippers are not trading assets for Conley if they are not bringing him back. So in total, the team will be paying him close to as many millions as his shooting percentage this season (38.6%).
Los Angeles also has to come up with enough salary to get to Conley’s figure. With virtually no draft picks to trade, the Clippers would also have to part ways with a young player, perhaps Luke Kennard. A package of Nicolas Batum and Luke Kennard would work financially and probably would get Utah to commit to a deal.
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Regardless, the Clippers would end up overpaying in both the trade and in his salary just for his name alone. Every Lakers fan should be rooting for the Clips to make this deal.