The New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers have been linked in trade rumors with Charlotte Hornets‘ Terry Rozier since last season. As we get closer to the March 25 NBA trade deadline, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix is reporting that the Clippers are once again eyeing Charlotte’s starting shooting guard.
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Most recently we heard Rozier’s name linked to the Clippers after the Hornets’ spent the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft on LaMelo Ball. As the trade deadline approaches, the Clippers are looking to upgrade their point guard position in their quest to chase the franchise’s first NBA Championship this season.
The Clippers have two solid point guards in Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams but neither of those guards has the playmaking ability that Rozier would add next to superstars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
After playing at point guard for the Boston Celtics during his first four seasons, Rozier has primarily played the off-ball guard position with the Hornets, last season with the emergence of Devonte’ Graham and this season with the addition of Ball, who has solidified his spot as the Hornets’ point guard of the future.
Rozier had a career season last year and has continued to improve this year. Through 36 games, he averages 20.4 points (second behind Gordon Hayward’s 21.1), 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting career-highs from the field (48.2%) and from three (43%). Rozier has been clutch for the Hornets this season. When a big shot, free throw, or stop is needed, it is common to hear Rozier’s name attached to the play. Rozier has a win share of 3.1 this season and his player efficiency rating is 17.8.
A move to the Clippers would reunite Rozier with former Hornets’ guard/forward Nicolas Batum, who Los Angeles signed to a deal after his release from Charlotte prior to the start of this season. Batum and Serge Ibaka have been solid additions to the Clipper lineup, adding Rozier would be another good get for them.
Rozier’s value is at an all-time high. With Graham set to become a restricted free agent after this season, the Hornets could move Rozier to fill another need and bring Graham back at a reduced rate in the offseason. The Clippers don’t have a lot of draft capital that they could send back to the Hornets, however, Ivica Zubac could be an interesting prospect for the Hornets to seek in a potential trade with the Clippers for Rozier.