Clippers trade Lou Williams to Hawks for Rajon Rondo

The Los Angeles Clippers are sending Lou Williams to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Rajon Rondo in a move that the team hopes will pay off in the postseason. The Los Angeles Times' Andrew Greif reported that along with Williams, the Clippers are sending the Hawks a 2023 second-round pick from Portland and the Clippers' own 2027 second-round pick.

Williams was having a down year for the Clippers in a reduced role, with his points, assists and minutes all dropping dramatically after he had previously established himself as the team's most reliable third scoring option. Now, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year will have a chance to re-establish himself behind Trae Young, though it will be interesting to see how motivated he is, as he previously indicated he may retire if traded from the Clippers.

After helping the Lakers win a championship last season, Rondo signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Hawks, but he has done little to earn his salary so far. He is averaging less than four points and assists per game this season. Of course, Rondo's real value for the Clippers will be in the playoffs, and he will be worth every penny if he is able to help the team get to its first conference finals.