The Los Angeles Clippers will enter the offseason filled with uncertainties after falling short of qualifying for the playoffs. Despite their talented roster, the Clippers lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Tournament, infamously blowing a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.
For what it is worth, the loss highlighted one of the Clippers’ urgent needs: A plug-and-play complementary player for Kawhi Leonard. The team looked hapless when Leonard was shackled by the defense of the Warriors. Another two-way weapon could help push Los Angeles over the hump.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Clippers are interested in Cam Johnson, who could be made available by the Denver Nuggets after their first-round exit in the playoffs.
But what package could the Clippers offer for Johnson?
Clippers’ perfect trade offer for Cam Johnson
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Siegel stressed that the Clippers’ potential move for Johnson is hinged on Leonard, who has one year left in his contract. The two-time Finals MVP will likely continue to garner interest from multiple teams in the offseason.
But if the Clippers turn serious in going after Johnson, they could offer Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nicolas Batum.
Similar to Johnson’s situation on the Nuggets, Bogdanovic has struggled to carve out a role on the Clippers. He was hobbled by a hamstring injury this season, limiting him to career-lows of 23 games and 19.7 minutes. But even when he was healthy, he did not get many opportunities as he was relegated to the second unit.
The 33-year-old Bogdanovic averaged 7.4 points and 38.8% shooting—significant downgrades from his previous campaigns.
A change of scenery could do him wonders, and playing alongside Nikola Jokic, his teammate in Serbia and someone who makes everyone around him better, could be perfect for Bogdanovic. After all, he is still one of the league’s top shooters.
Batum, meanwhile, appeared in 74 games for the Clippers, averaging 4.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 17.5 minutes. He would add another veteran presence to the Nuggets, aiding the continued development of Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Spencer Jones.
Cam Johnson’s fit with Clippers
The Nuggets acquired Johnson in the offseason after sending Michael Porter Jr. and a first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets. He had a slow start in Mile High City as he struggled to adjust to his role. In December, he suffered a knee injury, which kept him out for over a month.
Even when he returned, his fit in Denver felt off. On paper, he looked like a perfect addition. But in reality, it looked like he was the odd man out.
In 54 games this season, he averaged 12.2 points, his lowest since his second year, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 30.5 minutes.
With the Clippers, he could have a good chance to regain his form. He can ease off some of the pressure from Leonard. He can create his own shots if given the chance to carry the offense when Leonard needs to take a break.
Some might argue that Johnson is redundant with Bennedict Mathurin and Jordan Miller, who were revelations for the Clippers this season. But as their defeat to the Warriors showed, they can never have too many options.
Moreover, Johnson can be effective as a sixth man, as he showed during his stint with the Phoenix Suns.
The Los Angeles Clippers will enter the offseason filled with uncertainties after falling short of qualifying for the playoffs. Despite their talented roster, the Clippers lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Tournament, infamously blowing a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.