DeMar DeRozan
The Los Angeles Clippers have been doing everything right over the last couple of weeks. After their 6-21 start, coach Ty Lue said the goal was for the team to finish 35-20 the rest of the way.
Since that moment, the team has been able to post an 11-2 record. Was he perhaps onto something?
As the victories have been piling up for LA, even knocking off good teams, the conversations have completely shifted. It began when Ivica Zubac got hurt and Brook Lopez stepped in. And once the Croatian standout returned, things just kept on going right.
NBA reporter Mike Scotto reported today that the Clippers and Sacramento Kings held exploratory talks before the winning streak. The deal would send Keon Ellis and DeMar DeRozan to the Clippers, in exchange for veteran big man John Collins.
There is a lot to unpack in that potential deal, but it could have value for both sides. Let’s use that next section to break it down.
DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis to Clippers?
As mentioned above, the LA Clippers have looked great of late. Kawhi Leonard has suddenly become one of the most dominant scorers in the association. The role players are all delivering. James Harden has been solid in a #2 role.
John Collins has finally been getting his scoring on track, while also recording massive block numbers. This is the type of player he was while with the Hawks, and showing that value is massive for a team in need.
Of course, on an expiring $26 million deal, that’s a golden trade chip if the team wants it to be. As Mike Scotto previously reported, a potential deal could send him to Sacramento. He would likely start next to Keegan Murray in the frontcourt, and could offer them athleticism and size in the years to come.
On the other side, you have DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis. The veteran forward, who has long been one of the best scorers in the game, has been hot of late. He has 20+ points in five straight, and is shooting better than 50% from the floor on the season.
DeRozan can create his own shot, and at this stage, could be a fantastic sixth man in LA. If he accepts a reserve role for the first time, he could thrive and be unlocked further by Ty Lue. His strong play is a big part of the Kings recent three-game winning streak.
As for Keon Ellis, he provides a major boost to the defense. His playing time has been down this year, but he’s shown in his young career that he can space the floor with his three-point shooting as well.
This deal would open up more playing time for other youngsters in Sacramento, while adding the necessary size in John Collins.
Of course, exploratory talks don’t mean that much on January 16th. With three weeks until the deadline, time will tell if the squads follow through.
Closing The Thread
Though this trade was discussed about a month ago, it doesn’t mean it is now null and void. The Kings wants to move a number of their veterans. John Collins, who turns 29 this year, can come in and either be a summer sign-and-trade chip, or be part of the next phase.
Veteran DeMar DeRozan can still play a key role in a winning club, while the defense of Keon Ellis will mesh well with guys like Nicolas Batum and Kawhi Leonard.
The injury to Derrick Jones Jr. still leaves open minutes to be claimed. Might this one be revisited? It could help both parties, so time will tell.