When is a first round pick NOT a first round pick?
So there is an impasse preventing these teams from shaking hands and signing on the dotted line. But the asking price of the Clippers could be met by the Philadelphia 76ers if they truly wanted Williams. How? We know the Los Angeles Clipper are looking at young talent and picks for Lou Williams, courtesy of the legendary Adrian Wojnarowski
Sources: Clippers will continue to pursue packages of young players and picks in talks for DeAndre Jordan and Lou Williams.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 29, 2018
And so, players and picks are one way out of the first round pick retail tag.
UPS – your package sir
Packages of picks and young players are not a first round pick. So that suggests that the Clippers are willing to negotiate to make a deal. As a rule, the basic rule of negotiation directs everyone to enter the negotiations with your optimal outcome. In short, the Clippers stating they want a first round pick is their way of setting the ceiling on a half-year rental of a veteran shooting guard.
The Clipper are certainly not expecting that first rounder in the first offer. Williams is a free agent at the end of this season. Despite his production and his inexpensive $7 million salary this season, he’s not going to woo the asking price up front. He has too much defensive liability to get the asking price immediately