Because James Harden and Kawhi Leonard won’t be in their prime for long, the Los Angeles Clippers will need to put everything on the line to win the NBA title in 2024–25. The Clippers need some reinforcements now that Paul George is off the team, and in this blockbuster trade scenario, they may chase All-Star point player LaMelo Ball.Let’s picture what this trade scenario could look like. LaVar Ball, LaMelo’s outspoken father, recently said how much he would love to see his son on the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers would have intriguing offensive talent, and the Hornets would have time to quickly retool around their youthful nucleus. This trade would upend the Western Conference. This is an analysis of the trade for both teams and the reasons it should take place this summer.
Los Angeles Clippers Create A New Big Three
The Los Angeles Clippers, along with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, would create a new and exciting Big Three with the addition of LaMelo Ball. The Clippers would benefit from LaMelo’s playmaking, as he averaged 23.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game in the 2023–24 campaign. With Harden’s shooting percentage of 38.1% from outside the arc and Leonard’s versatility (averaging 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in the previous campaign), the Clippers would become one of the league’s most potent offensive teams with Ball’s inclusion.
The Clippers have added a future cornerstone in LaMelo Ball, the 2020–21 NBA Rookie of the Year and a former All-Star. The 6’7″ point guard is a superb distributor and a flexible scorer with a career 3-point percentage of 37.4%. Leonard and Harden could concentrate more on defense and scoring instead of having to start the offense all the time thanks to Ball’s ability to make his teammates better. Ball’s ability to generate his own shot and get past opponents would give him a big advantage over competitors in the Western Conference like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves in crucial situations.
The three of Ball, Harden, and Leonard may be very successful defensively as well. Leonard is one of the finest wing defenders in the league, while Ball has showed potential as an off-ball defender who can disrupt passing lanes (1.8 steals per game in 2023-24). Though not renowned for his defense, Harden can be useful in a scheme that emphasizes switches. When combined, they would create a dynamic and well-balanced roster that could adapt to different playoff situations and give the Clippers a legitimate chance to go deep into the postseason.
Charlotte Hornets Rebuild Around Brandon Miller
In this hypothetical transaction, Brandon Miller would become the team’s face while the Charlotte Hornets would acquire important assets in Norman Powell, Terance Mann, and Bones Hyland. As a rookie, Miller—the second overall choice in the 2023 NBA Draft—averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, displaying early signs of his talent. Now that LaMelo Ball is in Los Angeles, Miller can assume a more significant role and take over as the team’s main playmaker and scorer.
The Hornets have gained an experienced scorer in Norman Powell, who will assist close the gap while the team is rebuilding. Powell, who shot 40.1% from three-point range in 2023–24 and averaged 13.9 points per game, can both start and provide a steady offensive punch off the bench for the younger guys. Meanwhile, Miller can develop alongside talented young players Terance Mann and Bones Hyland. Mann, a dynamic and defensively adept forward, averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in the last campaign and might develop into a vital rotational player. Hyland gives the Hornets’ backcourt extra depth and has the potential to be a bigger player in Charlotte thanks to his inventiveness and explosive scoring skills as a combo guard.
The Hornets are also well-positioned for the future thanks to the draft assets obtained in this transaction, which include two future second-round picks and a 2030 first-round pick swap. These picks could be used as leverage in upcoming deals to acquire more proven players who fit the team’s schedule, or they could be utilized to draft more youthful talent. The Hornets might expedite their rebuilding process around Miller, who has already demonstrated a polished offensive game and defensive versatility, by combining savvy acquisitions with player development.
A Blockbuster Trade Scenario That Benefits The Clippers Most
Without a doubt, the Los Angeles Clippers stand to gain the most from this trade. In addition to filling their need for a great playmaker, the Clippers have added LaMelo Ball, giving them a youthful player who can step up and take the lead as James Harden and Kawhi Leonard get older. Even though the team has had some success with its current lineup, Ball’s arrival would guarantee continuity for years to come and inject a fresh flair.
By doing so, the Clippers may be able to prolong their championship run past the next few seasons, putting them in a strong position for both immediate and long-term success. Additionally, having LaMelo Ball around would free up Leonard and Harden to concentrate on their strengths. Harden can succeed as a backup ball handler and excellent shooter, while Leonard can continue to lead the defense and be the go-to scorer.
The Clippers can afford to rest Leonard and Harden more during the regular season because of Ball’s skill with the ball and ability to create plays. This lowers their chance of injury and guarantees that they are rested for the playoffs. It is impossible to overestimate the flexibility this affords head coach Tyronn Lue in terms of lineups and matchups, as it allows the Clippers to use several lineups without compromising on quality.
Additionally, this move makes the Clippers a desirable destination for upcoming free agents. Even if Harden and Leonard are getting older, a core led by LaMelo Ball would surely attract additional talents who seek a winning environment and a team that puts development and contention first.
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