Clippers’ Interest in DeMar DeRozan: A Calculated Risk or Desperate Gamble?
In the constantly evolving landscape of NBA trade discussions, the Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as potential suitors for Sacramento Kings’ veteran DeMar DeRozan. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Clippers have engaged in “exploratory conversations” with the Kings regarding both DeRozan and his teammate Keon Ellis. The proposed package would likely involve John Collins – who only joined the Clippers in July after being acquired from the Utah Jazz – along with additional salary components to make the numbers work. This potential move represents the Clippers’ continued commitment to pursuing veteran talent as they seek to maximize their championship window with stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
The NBA has witnessed a gradual shift away from the “superteam” model in recent years, with many organizations favoring organic team development over accumulating aging stars. This evolution stems from the mixed results of star-stacking strategies, which have produced both spectacular successes and equally notable failures. However, Los Angeles teams seem particularly resistant to abandoning this approach. The Lakers, Kings, and Clippers have all demonstrated a willingness to pursue established veterans rather than patiently building through drafting and development. Sacramento’s experiment with DeRozan hasn’t yielded the desired results, yet the Clippers appear undeterred in their pursuit of the six-time All-Star, suggesting their front office believes adding another accomplished scorer could elevate their championship aspirations.
DeRozan’s credentials make him an appealing target despite being in the later stages of his career. With six All-Star appearances, multiple All-NBA selections, and extensive playoff experience spanning 63 postseason games, he brings both skill and seasoning to any roster. His production remains impressive – he averaged 22.2 points per game on 47% shooting last season and has maintained strong efficiency this year with 19.1 points per game while connecting on 50% of his field goal attempts. These numbers demonstrate that while DeRozan may not be at the absolute peak of his powers, he continues to perform as an effective offensive weapon who could potentially complement the Clippers’ existing stars.
The timing of this potential acquisition raises important questions about the Clippers’ trajectory and team chemistry. After a disappointing start to the season that saw them hovering near the bottom of the Western Conference standings alongside New Orleans and Sacramento, the team has experienced a remarkable turnaround. Winning eight of their last ten games, the Clippers have climbed into a tie for the tenth position in the highly competitive Western Conference. This recent success suggests that the current roster is beginning to gel and find its rhythm under head coach Tyronn Lue’s system. Introducing a high-usage player like DeRozan could disrupt this newfound chemistry, making the front office’s interest in such a move particularly intriguing.
The potential addition of DeRozan represents a significant gamble for the Clippers organization. On one hand, his scoring ability and experience could provide valuable depth and versatility, particularly in playoff scenarios where having multiple shot creators becomes essential. On the other hand, integrating another ball-dominant player alongside Leonard and Harden poses considerable challenges regarding touches, spacing, and offensive hierarchy. Additionally, DeRozan’s historically limited three-point shooting could potentially compromise the team’s spacing, though his mid-range excellence and improved finishing at the rim in recent years somewhat offset this concern. The Clippers must carefully weigh these factors against Collins’ youth and potential upside before committing to such a trade.
As the February trade deadline approaches, the Clippers find themselves at a crucial juncture that could define their season and potentially their future. While their interest in DeRozan signals an aggressive win-now mentality, it also highlights the organization’s willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of championship contention. The potential move aligns with their recent history of bold transactions, including the acquisitions of Harden, Paul George, and Leonard himself. Whether this particular trade materializes remains uncertain, but the exploratory discussions underscore the team’s determination to maximize their championship window despite the challenges of integrating multiple star players. For Clippers fans and NBA observers alike, the coming weeks should provide fascinating insight into the front office’s ultimate vision for this iteration of the team.
