Several teams could be buyers in the trade market including two contenders in the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs are both poised for another playoff appearance this season, but they may still consider making moves before the 2017 trade deadline to improve any chances of dethroning the Golden State Warriors atop the pecking order in the West.
According to Rohan Nadkarni of Sports Illustrated, the Clippers could be looking to add a perimeter scorer to help the team shore up their late-game offense, while the Spurs are on the hunt for a stretch four to open up San Antonio's offense.
Clippers could gamble on Rudy Gay
One player who could fit in the Clippers' needs is Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay, who is set to explore free agency next year. The Kings Have been looking to deal Gay since the offseason, and while the team has yet to indicate plans about the veteran small forward, many teams are expected to give Sacramento a call days before the deadline.
Gay is a capable scorer who can create his own shots and cover multiple positions on the defensive end. Gay, who is averaging 18.6 points and 6.2 rebounds a game for the Kings this season, would be a tremendous boost for the Clippers, especially with Blake Griffin reportedly out 3-6 weeks with minor knee injury.
While Gay's trade value is at an all-time low after he announced his intentions of exploring free agency after this season, the Clippers still don't have much tradable assets to offer the Kings, who may consider a backcourt piece in return. It would be difficult for the Clippers to throw in a future draft pick for a potential one-year rental, although it could be the only option if LA is really interested in acquiring Gay.
Nikola Mirotic an ideal fit for Spurs?
Meanwhile, the Spurs could consider targeting Chicago Bulls' Nikola Mirotic if San Antonio is interested in landing a stretch four before February 23.
After a breakout performance with the Bulls last season, Mirotic has lost his starting job in Chicago this season and has struggled to shoot off the bench. The 25-year-old forward has earned two DNP-CDs in the Bulls' back-to-back games against the Milwaukee Bucks despite in full health.
Mirotic is completely underutilized in Chicago despite the team's need of outside shooting. While Mirotic is averaging 22.4 minutes per game this season, the third-year forward is only scoring 8.8 points on a career-low 38.7 percent from the field, including 29.6 from beyond the arc.
But playing for the Spurs and Gregg Popovich could rekindle some of Mirotic's outside stroke. Mirotic would be the perfect addition to the Spurs' core of international players and the ideal piece in the team's ball-sharing offense.
However, the Spurs are also limited in offering an enticing package to the Bulls, who may want a frontcourt piece in return. Trading Danny Green could work, but Chicago should add another rotational player or two to make any potential deal work. But if Mirotic comes at the right price, expect the Spurs to include him in their trade list.
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