NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers want ‘good’ first-round pick for Lou Williams
NBA Trade Rumors: If the LA Clippers are going to trade Lou Williams, they’re demanding a “good” first-round pick for the veteran scorer
The LA Clippers are 19-21, one game behind the New Orleans Pelicans for the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs. However, being in striking distance of a palyoff spot might not be good enough for Doc Rivers and company.
Instead of trying to make a last ditch effort to make the playoffs, probably to get swept by the likes of Golden State or Houston in the first round, the Clippers could elect to sell off their veteran assets and rebuild around Blake Griffin beginning this summer.
Though, a decision – clearly – hasn’t been made. Which makes all of this that much more complicated. The NBA trade deadline is a little over a month away, and the Clippers don’t have a ton of time to come to a decision.
But, if the Clippers do elect to sell of its remaining assets, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that LA would be asking for a “good” first-round pick in exchange for Lou Williams.
Williams is an expiring contract, and will hit the open free agent market this summer. Intergingly, the Clippers have discussed a potential contract extension for Williams. He is eligible to extend in-season, and could re-up instead of being dealt at the deadline.
Sources: Lou Williams and the Clippers have recently engaged in contract extension discussions, but no deal's formed as sides evaluate positions. Williams went for 50 points against the Warriors in Oakland tonight. He's eligible for an extension during season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 11, 2018
Williams has been quite electric for the LA Clippers this season. After losing Chris Paul over the summer, and with Blake Griffin battling numerous injuries, Williams has picked up the scoring load for LA.
This season, Williams is averaging a career-high 23 points per game on 45 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range. During his last five games, specifically, Williams is averaging 33 points and six assists.
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Williams could provide a contender will some much-needed scoring punch, but at the same time is one of the biggest reasons why the Clippers are somewhat afloat in the West. LA has a difficult decision to make over the next couple of weeks.