Rate The Trade: Goran Dragic to The LA Clippers

A recent article from Bleacher Report suggested a potential Goran Dragic to the Clippers trade
Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

A recent article from Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer indicated that the LA Clippers could be bracing for Paul George's injury forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. This isn't exactly a new report, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski already indicated that potential possibility; however, Fischer's report added that George's injury status could dictate how the Clippers approach this season's trade deadline.

With both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George sidelined indefinitely, it is logical to assume that where the Clippers reside in the standings will play a major factor in whether or not one or both of those two players attempt a return this season. Because the Clippers do not own their 2022 First-Round Draft Pick, any attempt to tank would be pointless; however, the team could pursue a youth movement at the deadline that would allow them to develop their young talent while shedding salary for next year's roster construction.

Another direction the Clippers could go, as indicated in Fischer's article, would be a deal for Goran Dragic. The proposed trade would send out Eric Bledsoe's expiring deal to Toronto in return for Dragic. By dealing for Dragic at the deadline, the Clippers would obtain his bird rights, which would allow them to exceed the cap if they chose to re-sign him in the offseason. This deal would pair Dragic with a healthy Paul George and Kawhi Leonard for next year's title push.

While Bledsoe has provided utility at times this season, his fit alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard projects to be less than ideal, making his expiring deal a potential trade asset for the Clippers at this year's deadline.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.