Translator's Note: This article was originally published by Fansided, written by Iliyan Lakhani. The data in the article are as of the time of publication of the original article (November 14, local time). The opinions in the article have nothing to do with the translator and the platform.

For Lawrence Frank and the management of the Los Angeles Clippers, past rules have proven that when the team falls into a losing streak, key transactions often come quickly. Judging from the current situation of this season, it is inevitable to start the transaction now-the season has just started, and timely adjustment of the lineup can reverse the subsequent trend. Unfortunately, Bradley Beal, whom they introduced during the offseason, was reimbursed early due to a serious injury and will not be able to play this season. What is even more troublesome is that the Clippers will not have their own first-round draft pick until 2030, and will not be able to rely on the draft to replenish young strength and develop potential players for many years to come.

This means that in the remaining games of this season and the next three seasons, the Clippers must have the only goal of hitting the NBA championship, with no retreat. Theoretically, they may be able to get off to a better start next season and beyond by improving their lineup and improving their health, but the current lineup has obvious shortcomings and urgently needs to be strengthened through transactions. You know, the NBA draft in the next few seasons will be a moment with no expectations for the Clippers management, because they do not have their own first-round picks and cannot acquire potential young players through the draft market, so trading has become the only feasible way for the team to improve their competitiveness.

The Clippers still have many attractive assets, which can take the initiative in transaction proposals and attract opponents to in-depth negotiations. But there are three players who are the absolute core and will not be sent away before the trade deadline this season, namely Leonard, Harden and Zubac. Although Leonard has health risks and has been injured twice after playing only six games this season, he is still the key to both offense and defense; Harden, as a top organizer and scorer, can sort out the offense and create opportunities; Zubac is an interior pillar, responsible for rebound protection and interior defense. Although these three players are attractive to other teams, the Clippers management is well aware of their importance and will be particularly hesitant about their transactions. However, this hesitation also carries certain risks - if other transactions are not promoted for a long time, the value of the team's other tradable assets may drop instantly as the season progresses.

However, the Clippers are not completely passive in the transaction. If a team can provide the type of player they desperately need, such as a top defensive wing (which can limit the opponent's core scorers and support the defensive system) or a scoring shooting guard (who can score stably and relieve core pressure), Lawrence Frank will not bargain and will quickly promote the deal. Because he knows that the Clippers are at a disadvantage: they have lost 8 of 11 games this season. Such a record has greatly increased the pressure on the team, and they need to rely on transactions to change the status quo as soon as possible; more importantly, he cannot use the draft to build the lineup like other executives. Without a first-round pick, he can only rely on existing asset transactions to improve its strength.

If Frank hopes to obtain the maximum return in subsequent transactions and improve the team's competitiveness as much as possible, then he should immediately start trading negotiations for John Collins. Collins is one of the most valuable players in the Clippers lineup, and the team management has not listed him as "not for sale," which means that as long as there is a suitable offer, Collins may be traded away from the team.

Although Collins' contract expires this summer, which will affect his value to a certain extent, Frank can completely design a reasonable and attractive trade proposal around Collins. Through this transaction, the Clippers are expected to introduce one or more players to solve at least one current problem. Collins plays the fourth position and has excellent athletic ability. He can complete high-altitude relays and fast-break dunks. He also has "three-level scoring skills" - namely finishing at the basket, mid-range jumpers and three-pointers. His comprehensiveness makes him a threat on the offensive end. So far this season, he is averaging 11.9 points, 5 rebounds, and a true shooting percentage of 59.2%.

In addition, the Clippers also have many players with trading value - although they are not core, they are useful in a specific system and can be used as trading chips. Add to that Bradley Beal, whose contract with the Clippers includes a player option worth $5.4 million for next season, giving Beal the right to choose whether to stay with the team after the season. Considering that Bill will be reimbursed this season and his future health is in doubt, the Clippers will most likely include him in a potential trade: as long as a team is interested and the chips are right, Bill will be traded before the deadline.

Having said that, the most critical thing for Frank and the management right now is to prepare for potential transactions. Sort out the salary space, calculate player salaries, and ensure compliance with the league's salary rules; at the same time, actively communicate with other teams to understand each team's needs and bargaining chips, and explore feasible solutions. This kind of advance preparation can play a role at critical moments: If the Clippers still have no winning momentum in the next few weeks and are difficult to change their decline, the previous trade preparations can be quickly used to help adjust the lineup. Only in this way can the Clippers retain hope of reversal this season, avoid a complete loss of competitiveness during the season, and allow management and fans to regain confidence in the team's future.