Ranking Clippers' Top Trade Targets After 2024 NBA Playoff Loss

The Los Angeles Clippers have been here before.

With their loaded-on-paper roster again beset by the injury bug, the Clippers finished another NBA campaign nowhere near the championship race. For the second consecutive season, L.A. managed only a one-and-done playoff appearance and was sent packing in the opening round.

The question of what happens next is a compelling one. Does another early exit force Paul George to consider alternatives in free agency? Is James Harden at all a flight risk? And if both of the big-name free agents stick around, where can the Clippers turn for help?

That final question holds our attention here, as we're setting out to identify—and rank—the top three realistic trade targets for the team this offseason.

The Clippers' trade budget is limited, but P.J. Tucker's contract paired with some draft considerations should get them someone decent.

That feels like an apt description of Pat Connaughton, who offers energy, three-and-D skills and a pinch of playmaking.

There isn't a standout skill in his arsenal, but there aren't many glaring weaknesses either. He's had a few strong shooting seasons (37-plus percent on decent volume in 2020-21 and 2021-22), but he usually lands closer to league average. As long as he's willing to fire them, though, that's good enough to keep defenses honest.

Assuming L.A. keeps the George-Kawhi Leonard wing tandem intact, it will want reliable reserves behind them. That's a role Connaughton can capably fill.

While the Clippers are clearly in win-right-this-second mode, it never hurts to add an injection of youth. Especially if said young player is able to contribute right away.

Toumani Camara should have that chance. His offense might be mostly undeveloped, but his defense is stingy—and versatile—enough to get him on the floor for a good team regardless.

L.A. has an obvious need for more stoppers. The Clippers capped this campaign just 16th in defensive efficiency, per NBA.com, and they were 22nd after the All-Star break. Expecting the aging versions of Leonard and George (if he stays) to patch up all of these problems isn't remotely realistic.

They have to upgrade their defensive talent, and adding Camara would do that. He can already handle the 1 through 4 spots, and there are reasons to believe he could survive against some small-ball centers, too.

If shoppers are thinking defense this summer—and, like we just detailed, the Clippers absolutely should be—then they'll be thinking about Alex Caruso.

The 6'5" combo guard cracks the short list of the NBA's best-perimeter-defender debate. He was an All-Defensive first-team honoree last season and could easily snag a spot on one of this year's teams, too. He plays with an insatiable tenacity, and he thinks the game at such a rapid rate, he can stay a step ahead of the offense.

Even better, he's an elite stopper who can also add value on the offensive end. He can consistently make a positive impact without monopolizing touches. He knows how to play with stars and can carry the torch in spurts without them. His three-ball keeps getting better (career-high 136 threes on 40.8 percent shooting this season), and he'll hustle his way into transition points and open cutting lanes.

The Clippers might need to part with their 2031 first-round pick to get them, and that's no small price to pay. But if they view him as someone who can help take them over the top, that's probably a gamble they have to take.