LA Clippers could look to trade for Lonzo Ball this summer

Los Angeles Clippers, Lonzo Ball, NBA Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

Despite being involved in a plethora of NBA trade rumors, New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball ended up staying with his team post the trade deadline. Although he will be in New Orleans the rest of the season, it is highly possible Ball could be on the move this summer.

It is worth noting the 23-year-old floor general is on the verge of becoming a restricted free agent once that time comes. He has enjoyed a fine season thus far, and many folks therefore wonder whether the Pelicans will have sufficient capital to keep Ball.

As of when this was written, Ball has averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game for his squad. Additionally, he has shot the ball fairly well from long range, making 37.8 of his attempts from said distance. Ball is also shooting the rock more efficiently than ever from the charity stripe, converting 79.2 percent of his free throws.

Prior to the onset of the 2020-21 campaign, basketball nuts already knew Ball posed a threat as a passer and perimeter defender. However, the fact he has improved his shooting has really turned him into one of the better (and perhaps underappreciated) point guards in the league.

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 3 teams who should pursue Lonzo Ball via a sign-and-trade

On the grounds that the former UCLA Bruin remains young, one can surmise Ball will draw a lot of interest this offseason. According to Vincent Frank of Sportsnaut, one team that could end up prying him away from the Pelicans in the grand scheme of things is the Los Angeles Clippers.

This should not come as too big of a surprise since the Clippers were one team among several targeting Ball’s services this season. Ultimately, Los Angeles ended up trading for veteran Rajon Rondo in order to bolster their championship hopes. Rondo played extremely well in the playoffs last season for the Los Angeles Lakers.

While Rondo is a more than serviceable piece, he is 35 years of age. Thus, he is a solid short-term solution for the Clippers but does not necessarily fit the bill for them when the long haul is considered.

As a result, it would be sensible for the Clippers to give a player like Ball another look once the summer approaches. Ball is only in his fourth season and one could argue he has yet to hit his ceiling as an NBA player.

In his article, Frank revealed that the Pelicans could up executing a sign-and-trade involving Ball this summer (originally via Brian Windhorst and Andrew Lopez of ESPN). It would enable them to at least receive some value in return for the former No. 2 overall pick.

“Some executives came away from those talks (ahead of the deadline) with the belief that Ball might be available in a sign-and-trade in the offseason as a restricted free agent,” Brian Windhorst of ESPN noted recently.

Certainly, exercising this option would be preferable for New Orleans instead of letting Ball leave town for nothing. It is not to say it is an absolute guarantee Ball will be leaving town this summer, but the Pelicans may not be willing to give Ball what he wants. The Orange County native is reportedly seeking around $20 million per year.

That being said, it would make a sign-and-trade the next best thing for the Pelicans if they are unwilling to give Ball a raise. Per a hypothetical scenario presented by Frank, the Pelicans would receive Marcus Morris, Terance Mann, and two future second-round picks for the eldest Ball brother.

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Lonzo Ball to be available in sign-and-trade talks in offseason

It is understandable that the Pelicans would want to not only secure established talent, but future talent, in exchange for Ball. As stated above, Ball has been balling out for New Orleans this season, so the Pelicans would be foolish to not get a decent haul in return for the ex-Laker.

In all sincerity, the proposed package for Ball may not be enough to secure Ball’s services. L.A. may have to dangle another draft pick and/or include a player like Patrick Beverley to get the Pelicans to pull the trigger. The latter would give the Pelicans a gritty, defensive-minded veteran and would fill the void left by Ball at point guard.

On the other hand, this potential sign-and-trade would do wonders for the Clippers. They already have an incredible duo in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and adding Ball would elevate their respective games due to his proficient passing abilities.

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 3 teams who could go “all-out” to pursue Lonzo Ball in NBA Free Agency

Ball’s 6-foot-6 frame would make him an instant threat in the passing lanes as well. He is also a better scorer and rebounder than Beverley, so if the Clippers managed to pull this off, their future at the point guard position could very well be bright.

On that note, the Clippers should definitely look to trade for Lonzo Ball this offseason. They are already a great team due to their star duo but adding a player who is always willing to share the sugar would make them even better.

Time will tell what the Pelicans decide to do with their fourth-year player this summer. However, one thing is for certain. Many teams let alone the Clippers will likely be interested in Ball, so he is worth keeping an eye on in the coming months.

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