NBA
Clippers Trade Austin Rivers To The Wizards For Marcin Gortat
When the Los Angeles Clippers brought in Jerry West last season, just everyone knew a roster turnover was coming. The Clippers traded Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons and Chris Paul opted in to take a trade to the Houston Rockets.
On Tuesday, the Clippers struck again as they traded guard Austin Rivers to the Washington Wizards for center Marcin Gortat. This trade is good for both sides. Both Rivers and Gortat are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents next summer. Here’s why the Clippers and Wizards both benefit in this deal:
From the Clippers side of things, acquiring Gortat gives the Clippers a serviceable center who can start. It also allows them to prepare for possibly losing DeAndre Jordan, who can opt in to facilitate a trade or become an unrestricted free agent. The trade also can help bring better cohesion to their franchise.
When Rivers opted into his $12.65 million salary, the motivation to move hum increased. According to some, his status on the team alienated some of his teammates. The supposed favoritism he received caused a disconnect and possibly contributed in Chris Paul going to the Rockets last summer.
Ultimate Gain For The Wizards
As for how this deal is also beneficial to the Wizards, they achieved what they set out to do. They had Gortat on the trading block before last Thursday’s NBA draft, but didn’t want to attach the 15th overall pick to move him. Acquiring Rivers will strengthen a Wizards bench that hasn’t been good for the past couple seasons.
It also can lead to the Wizards finally listening to its franchise player, John Wall, who reportedly wanted the team to add an athlete big man. Wall and Gortat also had problems in the locker room this past season. Moving Gortat then became their top priority because they knew the chemistry wasn’t close to where it needed to be.
