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The LA Clippers were considered a powerhouse in the Western Conference and were expected to go all the way in the 2019-20 season. However, in a disappointing postseason run, the Clippers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. Numerous NBA trade rumors have since linked several players with the franchise who could provide leadership on the court, something the Clippers sorely seemed to miss last season.
On that note, here is a list of five players the LA Clippers must go after this off-season.
NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players that the LA Clippers need to go after this off-season
For this list, we have considered potential star players who may come in and lead the LA Clippers by being a positive influence in the locker room and rallying the team together when the going gets tough. Without further ado, let's get started.
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#1 Chris Paul
Despite many predicting that his career would quietly fizzle out with the OKC Thunder, Chris Paul looks rejuvenated and better than ever. His creativity and guile at the offensive end have been inspiring, and he is as hard-nosed a defender as any one could find in the league.
However, the reason the LA Clippers need to go after their former player this off-season is because of his remarkable ability to lead a team, attributes that were on full display last season as the Thunder obtained the 5th seed under the 35-year-old.
With the experience Chris Paul has, he will almost certainly know how to manage the egos and personalities that may abound in the LA Clippers' dressing room. Coupled with the players' ability to take his performance up several notches in the postseason, the LA Clippers may not find a better player than Paul.
#2 Rajon Rondo
Despite winning the 2020 NBA Championship with the LA Lakers, Rajon Rondo could out of his contract with the franchise and become a free agent, as per NBA trade rumors. For the LA Clippers, they may not have a more ideal opportunity to bring the 34-year-old to their roster.
Rondo has never been someone to bite his tongue just regardless of the caliber of a player. He makes sure that everyone is accountable for their performances. Countless teammates have also spoken about how inspiring the player can be on and off the court.
Much like Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo has also shown the ability to raise his game in the postseason, something the LA Clippers sorely need.
With the franchise in dire need of a vocal leader who can also step up in the toughest of times, Rajon Rondo could be a perfect acquisition for the team.
#3 Kyle Lowry
Despite the Toronto Raptors' postseason being somewhat of a disappointment, Kyle Lowry was one of their best players on the floor.
Lowry has the ability to inspire his teammates and rally the troops to keep going. Moreover, his penchant of putting his body on the line for the team can be infectious and potentially infuse some camaraderie and selflessness into the LA Clippers roster.
With the LA Clippers perhaps a collection of individual players rather than a team at the moment, a player like Kyle Lowry could prove to be essential for the success of the team.
#4 Draymond Green
According to NBA trade rumors, the Golden State Warriors have been considering trading away Draymond Green this off-season, which could be perfect for the LA Clippers.
While many could argue that Green is on the decline, the 30-year-old could still be a huge asset for the Clippers by donning a point-forward role for the team.
More importantly, though, Draymond Green could be that positive locker room presence that the team needs so sorely as the player is able to will his team through the toughest of times and practically become the backbone of the team.
With the LA Clippers desperate for a true leader in their roster, Draymond Green could be that player for the franchise.
#5 Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose has been heavily linked with the LA Clippers in numerous NBA trade rumors, and it is no wonder to see why.
After suffering an unfortunate ACL injury early on in his career, the 32-year-old has evolved to become one of the finest active players in the NBA.
The LA Clippers need a point guard who is more adept at the offensive end, and Rose is exactly that kind of a player. He is an elite facilitator and is even better as a scorer. He could also a positive presence at the defensive end too.
However, more importantly for the LA Clippers, while Derrick Rose isn't as vocal a leader as some of the others in this list, he has been touted to be an amazing locker room presence. Especially during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rose showed an amazing ability to motivate the younger players to play at their best.
He may not have the strongest resume, but the respect Rose has in the NBA is massive, and that could definitely help him be a strong leader for the LA Clippers if he is acquired by the franchise.
Also Read: NBA Rumors: 3 teams that should target Rajon Rondo in the off-season.
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