Los Angeles Clippers' Jamal Crawford (L) and Minnesota Timberwolves Shabazz Muhammad. L.A. could deal Crawford in exhange for Muhammad if the Wolves agree. (Photo : Getty Images)
Recent NBA trade rumors have emerged that the Los Angeles Clippers are interested in dealing for Minnesota Timberwolves guard-forward Shabazz Muhammad as Doc Rivers continues to reconfigure and salvage a failed wing rotation.
Rivers brought in Lance Stephenson, Wesley Johnson, Luc Mbah a Moute, and Paul Pierce during the summer while also letting go of Matt Barnes in an attempt to finally fix arguably the weakest position in the Clips' lineup and ultimately move beyond the second round of the playoffs.
Reaching the quarter of the season, Mbah a Moute became the starter, Pierce is in hibernation until April, Johnson is dispensable, and Stephenson seems like a mistake. NBA analysts were saying that Barnes was still a better fit than all of the so-called replacements and so the experiment blew up in the team's collective faces.
Fox Sports reported that the Clips are eyeing to trade for Muhammad and although he is not "the perimeter shooter or defender the Clippers need", the third-year pro is considered an upgrade over Mbah a Moute at the starting small forward spot any time of the day.
Long-time trade chip Jamal Crawford is said to be an option for Rivers to give up to get the former UCLA standout.
Meanwhile, moving to L.A. will allow Muhammad to develop to his full potential, unlike in Minnesota where he is a third or fourth option at the wings behind youngsters Andrew Wiggins and Zach Lavine and veterans Tayshaun Prince and Kevin Martin.
However, CBS Sports' Matt Moore indicated earlier this month that the Wolves are not keen on trading Muhammad, even if the 23-year-old, Long Beach, California native is said to be "garnering interest" from "multiple teams", as per Fansided.
Muhammad is such a versatile player that he seems to fit any group he is with whether it be with veterans or rookies and small ball or traditional lineups, which makes Minnesota want to keep him for the long run.
