Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Los Angeles Clippers

Lou Williams has been a major part of the Los Angeles Clippers’ success over the years, but the biggest problem with this organization is that they are one of the oldest teams in the NBA. There is not much youthful talent on this roster, especially in the backcourt, which is why going out and trading for Kendrick Nunn makes a lot of sense.

Not only is he a knock-down perimeter shooter, but Kendrick Nunn has the ability to turn into a really solid all-around point guard down the road. Next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Nunn would not have to pressure and push himself, which can also allow him to take time and develop into a more well-polished player.

Los Angeles needs a young player they can put a lot of effort into for the foreseeable future and Kendrick Nunn has a major upside at a position they so desperately need to improve at. Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams are both in their 30’s now and with not many years left, the Clippers need to reevaluate their point guard depth and figure out how they can set themselves up for success at that position for the next decade.

Given Lou Williams’ lack of production early on in the season and their guard play being very weak overall, Los Angeles needs to make an affordable move near the NBA trade deadline. Cutting ties with Williams now while he still holds value, especially since he is in the last year of his contract, makes a lot of sense for a Clippers organization that has no opportunities moving forward to draft or acquire young talent. 

Trading for Nunn, even though they would be giving up more NBA Draft capital that they barely have, sets them up for success now and down the road, which is why this trade makes sense for them. The Clippers are a championship caliber team now, but can be for many years to come as the second-year guard could develop into a very reliable and solid third scoring option next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in Los Angeles.