‘They’ve got not choice’: NBA Contender ready to go ‘all in’ with huge trade swing

The Los Angeles Clippers could be ready to make a big move before the trade deadline in an “all in” push for a championship.

According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Clippers have Toronto point guard Fred VanVleet and Miami Heat veteran Kyle Lowry on their radar ahead of the February 9 trade deadline.

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The Clippers had been initially linked to a move for Mike Conley from the Utah Jazz, but rival interest from around the league prompted them to look at other options.

Wed, 25 Jan

Wednesday January 25th

The Clippers are ready to make a big trade swing to help Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.Source: AFP

“With their future draft picks mortgaged and Kawhi Leonard and Paul George potentially becoming free agents in 2024, the time is now.

“With Leonard looking like his old dominant self, and George still playing at a borderline All-Star level, it’s obvious why the Clippers would feel an urgency to go for the Larry O’Brien Trophy this year.”

O’Connor writes VanVleet would be the ideal choice to partner Leonard.

“VanVleet is overall the best target for the Clippers considering he’s only 28, he’s a relentless on-ball defender, and he was an All-Star just last season,” he wrote.

“League sources doubt that the Raptors will move Pascal Siakam or O.G. Anunoby unless the return is enormous—think two or three unprotected first-round picks or young players of near-equal talent—but it’s more probable that VanVleet or Gary Trent Jr. will be moved since they are less talented and can become free agents this summer.

Fred VanVleet has emerged as a key trade target for the Clippers.Source: Getty Images

“Leonard and VanVleet won a championship together in Toronto and would likely excel again in Los Angeles because of FVV’s ability to thrive off the ball or reliably run point.

“VanVleet should be the Clippers’ top target, but even if they land him, they’ll still need to add size before the playoffs.”

Which brings us to the Clippers’ next pressing need.