There is no weak link on Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue’s roster — almost everyone on the floor can knock down a three and guard their man.
However, some may provide greater impact skillsets, and others could be more complementary and flexible around star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. It could open the door to certain talents being used as trade chips before the deadline.
As the season steadily approaches, let’s take a look at three Clippers players that could eventually be moved elsewhere.
Marcus Morris
When discussing Marcus Morris, it’s easy to forget how vital he’s been to the outcomes of recent Clippers seasons. He’s contributed 13.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in Los Angeles, in addition to carrying the offense at times when George and Leonard were injured. But, is he guaranteed to play on this new and improved Clippers team?
After a trade to acquire Robert Covington and Norman Powell from Portland, Morris’s role is in question. He has declined on the defensive side of the ball, and it’s evident that issues with his knees and calf are catching up to him. Statistically speaking, Morris is a below-average defender and doesn’t provide much else on the boards as a power forward.
Essentially, there isn’t much Morris can do that makes him a better fit compared to Covington or even Nico Batum.
Fortunately for him, he can get buckets at a comfortable rate. He’s only a season removed from being at the apex of perimeter shooting, hitting threes at a 47.3% rate in 2021. Also in his favor, is his familiarity with the team’s system. The 6-foot-8 forward has consistently been the “3rd guy” behind Los Angeles’ stars, both offensively and defensively at times. Throughout the bubble, he was even a main defender on the Mavericks’ Luka Doncic.
Nonetheless, Morris’ services make him a likely trade candidate this season. Along with a few others, he’ll have to prove he belongs and his skills are necessary for Los Angeles to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. If he doesn’t expect him to be moved for a true center to backup Ivica Zubac.