The LA Clippers have a chance to make a trade with the Denver Nuggets that would not only help them restock their draft cabinet, but it would also help the Nuggets solve their second apron problem. Trading Max Strus and Derrick Jones Jr. to the Nuggets for Aaron Gordon and a first-round pick would help both teams.
In the wake of the Kawhi Leonard saga, the first thing on the Clippers ' minds should be, "How can we add more first-round picks to our draft cabinet?” Well, the Nuggets might have an answer to that question. Because they need to get under the second apron. And maybe they would be willing to give up a first-round pick to make that happen.
So, if the Clippers shipped out two expiring contracts in Struce and Jones, perhaps they could land a first-round pick in return, as they would have to take on multiple years of Gordon's contract.
Clippers should trade for Aaron Gordon
At his best, Gordon is one of the best role players in the NBA. He's a decent enough spacer from behind the three-point line, a quality multi-position defender, and a solid lob threat for Nikola Jokic.
However, he also makes a ton of money. This season, he's going to make over 30 million dollars, and he still has two more years after this left on his deal. That's tough for Denver.
The Nuggets currently sit over $3.1 million above the second apron. And based on the way they've conducted business for the past few years, it's pretty clear that they have no interest in being a second-apron team.
So, trading Gordon to the Clippers for Strus and Jones would get them under the second apron. It would shed $4.8 million from their books, dipping them below that line.
Now, in order for the Nuggets to entice the Clippers to make that deal, they would almost certainly have to throw in a first-round pick. Perhaps they could throw in the pick they got back in the Peyton Watson sign-and-trade they made with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For the Clippers, who likely won't be competing for anything anytime soon, trading two expiring contracts for a guy on a less-than-ideal contract and a first-round pick would be worth it.
LA could try to help Gordon improve his trade value again while also adding a first to start restocking their draft cabinet after the Leonard deal. It's a win-win move.
