As the Clippers explore the trade market for potential backcourt or frontcourt upgrades, they continue to rebuff inquiries on fourth-year guard Terance Mann, Marc Stein reports in his latest Substack story.
Entering the season, the decision on the Clippers’ starting point guard came down to Reggie Jackson vs. John Wall, but with Jackson’s role cut back and Wall injured, it’s Mann who has started the club’s last nine games at point guard.
One team source who spoke to Law Murray of The Athletic suggested that there’s a belief Mann could be the Clippers’ starting point guard beyond this season. However, it’s unclear how enthusiastic head coach Tyronn Lue is about using Mann in that role. As Murray explains, Lue views Mann as more of a small forward and barely used him in some first-half games. The Clippers’ coach also likes having a more traditional point guard in his rotation, Murray adds.
Here’s more on the Clippers:
- In an article focused on the Clippers’ need to upgrade their roster, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer identifies Heat point guard Kyle Lowry, Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet, and Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein as some of the players L.A. has interest in. Lowry and VanVleet won a championship with Kawhi Leonard, while Hartenstein had the best season of his NBA career a year ago with the Clips.
- According to Murray, there’s a sense that Lue would like to replace Robert Covington with a more reliable center, while the front office would like the team to find a way to make a “long lineup” (which includes Covington) work. Murray suggests the trade deadline may represent a “demarcation point” between Lue and the front office on Covington’s future in Los Angeles.
- While this should come as no surprise, a team source confirms to Murray that the Clippers haven’t given any consideration to trading Leonard.
- Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com explores whether or not the frequent absences of Leonard and Paul George from the Clippers’ lineup has created a sense of frustration within the organization due to the club’s inability to establish any chemistry or consistency.
FVV would be perfect for LAC. Reggie Jackson, BJ Boston, Amir Coffey, LAC’s 2028 1st & LAC’s 2025 2nd to Toronto for Freddie might be smooth for both sides. I gotta be honest I’d be very hesitant to trade Freddie if I’m Toronto tho
If they want to retool, there is no reason to pay him $130 M over the next 4 years, so send him to the highest bidder.
I don’t see any reason they can’t retool around Pascal/Freddie/Scottie. That’s an extremely strong big3. Trade OG & balance out the lineup with more shooting & more size (a versatile big like Myles Turner would fit in perfectly there). But trading a guy that’s been great for u for his whole career & who chose to re-sign there after helping win you a title is something I would avoid for numerous reasons. Their pg situation behind Freddie is atrocious. What would be the post-FVV plan?
I get what you’re saying, but by the time the retool has been completed, and the Raps are ready to start competing again FVV is probably too old/injured and overpaid to truly help.
I think the plan, at least for the rest of the season, is to let Barnes handle the ball.
This team can easily be retooled & ready to compete for an East title by the start of next season. And Scottie alr handles the ball a lot. He did last yr too, that’s the best part of his game & a main reason he won ROY.
I think you need to actually watch the games to understand why your comment is utterly ridiculous. Can’t stress that enough. Watch the games.
My comments have obv been rubbing off on u lol I love to see it
“Marc Stein reports in his latest Substack story.”
Substack is subscriber-only.
Clippers don’t have assets to acquire VanVleet or OG
I support Lue
Covington is declining
I like the idea to trade Batum and Jackson to Raptors or Jazz
What would you trade them for?
I don’t think there is a lot for the clippers to do without trading Kawhi or George. All the other moves will net mediocre returns, and not change the playoff outlook much. I expect the clippers to be quiet, and possibly facilitators at the deadline. Their season is a play-in season… They hope
Lol Freddie is definitely not a mediocre return
How in the Hell is the Clippers landing VanVleet?
Dude, you are on some good stuff, and I want some. Help a brother out!
Kawhi back in Toronto? Ujuri would never do that, he’s been more savvy than that in his tenure in Toronto, luckily…
You might wanna re-read the comments. Specifically the very 1st comment where I spelled out exactly how they could land FVV
I love how deluded LA writers are.. I used to think it was just Lakers beat writers.. but I guess clippers writers have been drinking the happy juice too…. The Heat have a better record than the Clippers.. have a better roster than the Clippers… are in a better position to compete than the Clippers… but the Heat are just gonna gift wrap one of their premier players to them… because….? Unless Paul George is going to Miami.. and has learned to play the 4… the idea doesn’t even get started.. the Clippers would have to give their entire roster just to match salary lol