In the twelfth NBA Rumors Series, We explore the rumors linking the Philadelphia 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers
The Philadelphia 76ers continue to be a main topic of the NBA right now, with over half the teams and virtually all of the fan bases wondering if their team will be the one to pry either Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor from the Sixer roster.
So far we’ve covered about 70% of the chatter:
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets Linked to Philadelphia 76ers
NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Linked to Philadelphia 76ers
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Linked to Phoenix Suns
NBA Rumors: Atlanta Hawks ?s = Philadelphia 76ers Answers
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to Denver Nuggets
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to San Antonio Spurs
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to Toronto Raptors
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to Boston Celtics
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to Los Angeles Lakers
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to Indianapolis Pacers
Rumors: Do Knicks Want 76ers Late Draft Pick?
And that’s what we’ve rolled out so far. But it’s 2016 off season, the NBA is gearing up for an incredibly historic 2016 NBA draft, which we just happen to have for you in mock form right here.
So far, the trade rumors have been two team related, but some of the best trades so far come from three team involvement. In our travels we have uncovered one such hinted at three way deal.
Next: Clippers Tone Has Changed
Clippers Tone Has Changed
The Los Angeles Clippers are a very good team. They are statistically among the NBA leaders in both offense and defense. In fact, as recently as early May 2016, Doc Rivers told reporters:
"“How many teams are in the top five or top six in scoring and defense?” “Three, and we were one of them. The numbers tell us we’re really good. An analytical guy would look at our numbers and say, ‘I wouldn’t touch your team. We’re close and we know that. I would have loved to have seen us 100% healthy going into the playoffs, and if we hadn’t won it then, you would have known what you need to do. Now it’s more of a guesswork, but I think we have a pretty good idea what we need to do.” – Rivers said to reporters at the team’s practice facility, three days after the Clippers’ season ended in the first round of the playoffs.”"
But statistics say quite a bit about a team. Sometimes the story is not favorable. The Los Angeles Clippers did not make it past the first round of the 2016 NBA playoffs: losing to the Portland Trailblazers 4-2. In the 2015 NBA playoffs, they defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-3 but fell in the next round to the Houston Rockets 4-3. In the 2014 NBA Playoffs, they defeated the Golden State Warriors 4-3 but lost in the next round to the Oklahoma City Thunder 4-3. In the 2013 NBA Playoffs, they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 4-2.
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The Clippers may not admit it publically, but the team only has so many chances in this NBA to “get it done” and right now the window is beginning to close on the team. Rivers said he expected Griffin and Paul to opt out of the final year of their contracts next summer, though that’s a worry for another day. In the meantime, the team has eight players hitting free agency this year: Center Cole Aldrich, forward Jeff Ayers, guard Jamal Crawford, forward Jeff Green, forward Wesley Johnson, forward Luc Mbah a Moute, guard Pablo Prigioni, and guard Austin Rivers.
But in late May, after having time to think about the status of the team, he responded to the question of trading key pieces once more:
"I don’t worry about the corner thing, ever. I’m always gonna do what’s good for the team. You don’t ever do anything but that. But I feel like the best thing for the team right now is to keep them together. Can that change? Of course it can change. But I don’t think it will."
Unless he recognizes an opportunity to improve the team.
Blake Griffin is Expendable
At the 2016 trade deadline, Blake Griffin’s name came up as a possible trade piece for the Los Angeles Clippers. At the time, analysts pointed out that the Los Angeles Clippers were 22-9 without Griffin over the past two seasons and were 13-3 during his absence in the 2015-2016 season.
Since Dario Saric is debating whether or not to come to the US and play for the Philadelphia 76ers, we’ve debated our options in his absence. But we did not consider filling the spot with a veteran.
You see, the Philadelphia 76ers were linked to Griffin at the 2016 trade deadline, and with the off-season upon us it makes sense that the rumor would resurface – particularly in the wake of the Clippers early exit from the playoffs once more.
Both Sixers and Nuggets have had discussions with Clippers about Blake Griffin, per league sources. @sn_nba earlier reported Nuggets talks.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) February 5, 2016
At the time, the likely swap would be to move center Jahlil Okafor to the Clippers for Blake Griffin. But over the passing of time, and in consideration of Griffin’s “colorful” background, it may be that the Clippers need to add a piece to the deal to make it happen – perhaps the 2nd round pick of the 2016 draft, or even a minor trade back from 25 to 26 in the first round.
Before the 2015-2016 season ended, the team was under the watch of Sam Hinkie, who valued his key pieces very highly, rejecting any number of offers which are now back in play this off-season. Perhaps it’s the new perspective of Bryan Colangelo that a veteran is worth more to this team right now than one of his three centers..
Griffin has some intriguing qualities. In April and May 2015, he averaged 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game during the postseason. He also has the desire to become an elite defender, a role that would be very welcome to the Philadelphia 76ers seeking to tighten up their 107.6 points per game last season, good for 29th in a thirty team league.
Next: Draft And Stash - Optimizing 2016 NBA Draft Picks 24 and 26
It’s been out there since February 2016. It’s up to you to judge the merits of this scenario. As always, we are simply summarizing the trades for you to decide.