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OKC Thunder: 2 George Hill trades to Clippers that must be considered

By Mark Nilon

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: George Hill #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles past Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first quarter at Staples Center on January 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Clippers won 120-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: George Hill #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles past Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first quarter at Staples Center on January 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Clippers won 120-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

OKC brings on youth, an expiring contract, and a picks while LA lands Hill

The Los Angeles Clippers are in championship-or-bust mode and, frankly, have been in said mode ever since the news broke that they signed Kawhi Leonard and traded for Paul George two offseasons ago.

Last year’s second-round exit was not something fans, the media, and the organization as a whole expected and now, in 2021, they’re looking to make up for their misfortunes by going all-in to acquire their first-ever Larry O’Brien trophy.

However, while their roster does have two of the best players in the game today, perhaps their most glaring weakness resides at the most important position in the sport — the point guard slot.

Though this is an area in which they must try and address at this year’s deadline, the front office seemingly has little wiggle room in regard to trying to negotiate a deal to pry away substantial talent at the one from other teams, for the majority of their valuable draft capital is currently being held captive by the OKC Thunder via the 2019 PG-13 deal (you’re welcome!).

Because of this, we’ve been seeing rumors popping up suggesting that they’ll be targeting low-cost options at point guard, with George Hill being one of their most realistic targets.

The 34-year-old is a player with copious amounts of playoff experience who has a proven track record of being a solid floor general and a tertiary scoring option. All things considered, these are attributes the top-heavy Clippers desperately need if they wish to better their odds at a championship.

Like we said earlier, Los Angeles doesn’t really have too many valuable picks to shell out in a hypothetical trade, so we won’t be seeing Presti add to his illustrious collection in this ordeal. Instead, however, we see Oklahoma City bring on the expiring contract of Lou Williams and two young players in Terance Mann (sophomore) and Daniel Oturu (rookie).

Mann, a gritty defender who could serve as a better shooting Diallo for this young OKC squad, is still under his rookie contract through next season with an average salary of $1.4 million. Oturu, who was the 33rd pick in this past draft, is still just 21-years-old and showcased a ton of potential as a floor-spacing and defensive-oriented big in his final season at the collegiate level (averaged 20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks on 37 percent shooting from deep in 2019-20).

Though it may not be the highly sought-after draft capital that many fans may want, grabbing two young players and an expiring contract for a short-term veteran still with a year left on his deal is certainly not a bad scenario.

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