The Los Angeles Clippers are rumored to trade for one of Boston Celtics' first round picks in this year's NBA draft, but it may cost LA key players if they target the No. 3 pick.
According to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN, the Celtics are reportedly shopping their No. 3 pick, with the team looking to add a proven star, who they deem as the missing piece to seriously contend for a title. With the Clippers looking to trade up in the draft, Tom West of Sports Illustrated's Fansided suggested the Clips to trade for Boston's first rounder in the 2016 NBA draft.
"And with the Celtics at the opposite end of the scale, looking to make trades with their expendable cap space, picks and role players, they look like the solid trade partner for Doc to call," West wrote.
Acquiring the No. 3 pick would give the Clippers and Doc Rivers a promising talent they could nurture and an assurance if some of their key players decide to test the market in July. With very minimal cap space available this summer, it is unlikely the Clippers would make a splash in free agency, which makes a trade possible if LA wants to improve their lineup.
With the No. 3 pick presumptively in their hands, the Clippers could select Jamal Murray to add another shooter to the team, or pick Dragan Bender, who could potentially be the next Kristaps Porzingis.
However, trading for a top pick would surely be pricey for the Clippers, especially for a team in dire need of star power. If the Celtics are willing to shop their No. 3 pick to the Clips, they may revisit the trade deal for Blake Griffin.
Griffin has been linked to the Celtics prior to the Feb. 18 trade deadline, with Boston reportedly willing to move their pick for the All-Star forward. The Celtics were able to reach the playoffs with only Isaiah Thomas as their All-Star and key players available in their frontcourt rotation. With Griffin, the Celtics get the go-to-guy they are looking for to complete the missing piece in their quest for an 18th championship banner.
While the Doc has been adamant about keeping hold of Griffin despite a disappointing end to their playoff run, it could be high-time the team break their duo of Griffin and Chris Paul after spending five season together without a championship. And with the Celtics possibly trading their No. 3 pick, there could be no better time for the Clippers to trade Griffin.