Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Clippers actively exploring trade routes for Pelicans' Lonzo Ball

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/19/21

Although the Los Angeles Clippers are fourth in the Western Conference, they could still use some upgrades, particularly when it comes to playmaking.

According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Clippers are exploring a trade for New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball. Draft-pick limitations "complicate any Clippers pursuit" of Ball and would likely require a three-team trade, Stein adds.

The Clippers, with a well-chronicled need for a playmaking upgrade, are exploring trade routes to acquiring New Orleans' Lonzo Ball before next Thursday's NBA trade deadline, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 19, 2021

The Clippers could use some depth at the point guard position with Patrick Beverley being limited to 29 games this season due to multiple injuries. Ball is also a more offensive-minded player than Beverley. He's averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 42.5% from the field and 38.5% from deep.

This news comes after LaVar Ball said in an interview with Mason & Ireland of ESPN LA 710 that he hopes his son gets traded out of New Orleans.

Ball will become a free agent at the end of the season and it's unlikely he re-signs with the Pelicans. If he's traded to the Clippers, he'll join a rotation that includes Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris and Serge Ibaka.

It's unclear if the 23-year-old would be interested in signing with the Clippers in free agency. He's reportedly eyeing the possibility of joining the New York Knicks.

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