LA Clippers
Expendable difference-maker: Russell Westbrook
As the LA Clippers continue to try to dig their way out of the early-season hole that they've created for themselves, they have a big dilemma to solve when it comes to their core 4 players. At least for now, it doesn't seem as if they fit all that well together. Since the acquisition of James Harden, the Clippers have struggled to carve out roles for each of their top players. And the one that has suffered the most by looking out of place is Russell Westbrook.
It's gotten to the point where you can make the argument that Westbrook has emerged as an expendable piece for the Clippers. With Harden getting most of the reps at the point guard position and offering most of the playmaking the team needs, it's hard to see how Westbrook adds much value to the Clippers.
Westbrook and Harden don't mesh well together and there's at least an outside chance that LA elects to solve some of their issues by trading Westbrook at the NBA Trade Deadline. I'm not sure if they ever pull the trigger on such a move, but it certainly has to be something that is discussed at some point.