INGLEWOOD — The NBA trade deadline can be both a bittersweet time and an exciting one for teams. Trades mean some players leave and the emotion of saying goodbye can be difficult.
That’s the situation Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations, found himself facing this week when he included long-time wing player Terance Mann in a trade with the Utah Jazz. Mann, along with Bones Hyland, were sent to Utah for big man Drew Eubanks and veteran guard Patty Mills.
“In order to get, you have to give, that’s how trades work, that both sides have to see it as a win-win proposition,” Frank said before Saturday’s game. “This deadline is no different and probably as hard as any deadline (because) trading Terrance was extremely difficult. There’s a reason why Terrance is beloved by everyone inside these walls, and he’s one of our fan favorites as well, and has a long, long, long history with Terrance.”
After several moments of nostalgia involving Mann, Hyland and Kevin Porter Jr., Frank spoke excitedly about the four new players the Clippers added to their roster before Thursday’s trade deadline that will help shore up their offense, especially versatile guard Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Bogdanovic, who came to the team in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, is an under-the-radar acquisition with a big upside, despite his uneven play this season. In 10 games with the Hawks, he averaged 10 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
“We’re a little light on shooting and Bogdan gives us not just shooting, but he gives us good size at the position and he’s a quick processor of the game,” Frank said.
Frank added that Bogdan also gives the Clippers another playmaker behind James Harden, someone who also can handle the pick-and-roll.
“He has a high basketball IQ. He’s also a terrific competitor,” Frank said.
Frank said his aim in trades this season was to focus on their short-term strategy, to be “as competitive as we can possibly be, to give ourselves a chance to go as far as we possibly” while keeping the long-term picture in the back of their minds.
So, we wanted to address some positional needs but also some skills needs, and we feel really, really good about that,” he said. “We wanted to improve our draft capital.”
The Clippers also received three second-round picks in the trade with the Hawks.
Frank said Eubanks will give the Clippers a different look at the center position. Eubanks, a 6-10 post player, will back-up starter Ivica Zubac.
“Drew’s a super hard-charging, hard-playing guy, who’s physical and will not be afraid of any confrontation,” Frank said. “His ability, he has good hands, is good roller who can finish at the rim. His rim protection stats have been pretty good this year. He’s going to try to block it whether he gets it or not, but he’ll put himself in there and he’s quickly earned the respect of our guys just with his play.”
Frank called Mills “one of the super pros” in the league, a veteran who can lead by example for the younger players who might not see a lot of playing time. Mills, a 15-year veteran, could see limited minutes off the bench.
“It’s really important that the guys who are out of the rotation are able to be ready to play when the coach puts them in the game,” Frank said. “They also have to be able to handle playing and it’s tough … with Patty, he gets it, he understands where he is at, he’s always going to stay ready.”
Second year forward Marjon Beauchamp, who came to the Clippers from Milwaukee, gives the team additional length and size.
“There’s so many talented players and there’s a finite amount of roster spots. So, I really wish all three of those guys (who were traded) the best and that’s what makes it tough,” Frank said. “Yet, at the same time, we are really, really happy with our trade deadline (acquisitions).”