Trade No. 3 – New Orleans Pelicans

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Lonzo Ball, NOP 2021 2nd Round Pick

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Lou Williams, G/F Terance Mann, G Reggie Jackson, ATL 2022 2nd Round Pick

In his first three years in the NBA, Lonzo Ball has been extremely undervalued as he is a really good point guard and can help his team in more ways than one. He is not an explosive scorer and not known for being a scorer, but can be a great passer, facilitator, rebounder, defender… you name it, Lonzo Ball can likely do it.

Last season with the Pelicans, he averaged 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.4 steals and shot 37.5% from three-point range. He had a great season with New Orleans last year, but there are some question marks about his future with the Pelicans due to his performances last season in the NBA Bubble.

In the NBA Bubble, Ball averaged 7.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists and shot just over 30% from the floor in the NBA Bubble. Not to mention, he turned the ball over 3 times per game on average. When it mattered most, Lonzo Ball did not show up and it seemed like Lonzo Ball could not be bothered to play.

With the Pelicans adding Eric Bledsoe and Kira Lewis Jr. to their roster this past offseason, Lonzo Ball’s days as a Pelican could be numbered even though he has performed well early on in the year. 

Lou Williams has been fantastic the last few years with the Clippers, winning the Sixth-Man of the Year award twice (2018, 2019) and being one of their top scorers. Last season, Williams averaged 18.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and shot 35.2% from three-point range. He is now 34-years old and with his value as high as it is, it would make sense for the Clippers to trade him sooner than later.

Losing Lou Williams’ offensive production off the bench would definitely have its own impact on the Clippers as a whole, but Lonzo Ball can make players around him better. 

The Los Angeles Clippers are legit championship contenders with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George leading them, but they need to acquire a better point guard in order to contend with the defending champion Lakers. Lonzo Ball is not only capable of being a facilitator, but he can also thrive as being a secondary passer and playing off-the-ball. 

The best part about Lonzo Ball’s game is that he is an extremely unselfish player who is always willing to make the extra pass. With shooters like Paul George and Luke Kennard sitting on the wing and corner, that extra pass could wind up being a major difference in this Clippers’ offense. 

If Lonzo Ball is indeed available via trade, the Los Angeles Clippers should definitely look to acquire the 23-year old guard.