3 early Clippers trade targets in 2024 NBA offseason

One Clippers trade target the team could pursue, regardless of whether they re-sign Harden and George, is Dorian Finney-Smith. Finney-Smith is a quality 3-and-D forward on a Brooklyn Nets team that underperformed this season.

If the Nets sell, Finney-Smith will be a target for many teams. He fits the defensive forward role that the Clippers front office likes. Beyond Leonard and George, the Clippers have had forwards like Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, PJ Tucker, and others in a 3-and-D role.

Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three.

The 31-year-old is a quality role player, and the Clippers could acquire him with the contract of PJ Tucker, who is likely to accept his $11 million player option. They would have to include additional assets but have the money to make it happen.

If Los Angeles can land Finney-Smith, he would fit exceptionally well as a role player.

Larry Nance Jr.

Another target the Clippers should have is Larry Nance Jr. Nance Jr. is a small-ball center who has played well with the New Orleans Pelicans.

He is solid on both ends of the floor and is earning $11.2 million next season. This deal again aligns with Tucker’s contract, making him a role player who is feasible to acquire.

Nance Jr’s versatility on the defensive end of the floor makes him the perfect small ball option for the Clippers lineup. With the Pelicans this season, he averaged 5.7 points along with five rebounds, 1.9 assists, and a steal per game. The 31-year-old shot 57.3 percent from the floor and 41.5 percent from distance.

New Orleans wants to contend, but with Brandon Ingram’s future uncertain, some big changes could be on the horizon. The Clippers should make a call to see if Nance Jr. is available.

Nick Richards

A traditional backup center that Los Angeles could look to acquire is Nick Richards. Richards is an underrated player as he has quietly been a quality big for the Charlotte Hornets.

Richards averaged 9.7 points and eight rebounds per game this season. He shot 69.1 percent from the field while blocking 1.1 shots per game.

Richards is a quality rim protector and rebounder and is efficient. The 26-year-old is under contract for $5 million per year for the next two seasons. With a steal of a contract, the Clippers should make an offer for Richards.

The Clippers have a ton of question marks as they enter the offseason, with George and Harden entering free agency. However, it’s also important to upgrade the role players, with Dorian Finney-Smith, Larry Nance Jr., and Nick Richards as potential targets.