The LA Clippers are facing an interesting couple of weeks ahead of the NBA trade deadline. The franchise is right under the first apron line, and will need to stay under that line for the rest of the season to avoid any apron penalties.
Meanwhile, Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders have both made themselves indispensable over the last month as two-way players who are facing a games limit.
Now, the team’s priorities at the deadline will be to sign Miller and Sanders to regular contracts, but the Clippers have to make a couple of moves first.
Chris Paul is a player who needs to be traded in order to free up a roster spot and open up money under the first apron to allow the franchise sign both Miller and Sanders to standard deals.
Ahead of the fast-approaching trade deadline, head coach Tyronn Lue has addressed the team’s current stance and how he historically approaches the deadline.
Tyronn Lue says Clippers are unlikely to see key players leave
On Saturday, Tyronn Lue was asked if he thinks the Clippers would have some key players depart before the trade deadline. However, Lue was optimistic that his team won’t be losing any important star they don’t want to.
Speaking to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, the 48-year-old said:
“In our situation, I don’t see much movement, so I think we’ll be good. You never want to see guys go.
“If a team tries to trade for you, that means somebody wants you. You could be another guy but shoot, nobody wants you, nobody wants to trade for you, and you’re out of the league. So it’s a part of the business,” he added.
Nonetheless, the LA Clippers are widely expected to trade Chris Paul and Kobe Brown by the February 5th NBA trade deadline. Brown saw his fourth year option worth $4.79 million declined by the Clippers before the start of the season, signaling an impending finish to his time with the franchise
The Michigan native simply hasn’t developed how the team was hoping he would, and it’s possible a change of scenery would allow him to play more and develop his game.
