Hey, Clipper fans...just wanted to bring something up for discussion. I haven't had much time to participate in the discussions going on this season, but I'm still watching or going to every game. This is a sad, sad season so far. These injuries have just killed us. I had some hope during that 4-0 run that the team would be able to stay above water until Elton Brand came back, but it hasn't turned out that way. If we sink much further, we're going to have to start to think of what's best for the team in the future.

If the Clippers continue on their current pace, then trade talk will start to come up. What should the team do to get ready for next year? I don't think that Sam Cassell will make it to the end of the season with the Clippers. I think he'll be traded to a contender in order for the Clippers to get something in return and to give him one last chance to do something in the playoffs. The question is, do you package him with another player who some may want to get rid of...like Tim Thomas or Cuttino Mobley. Thomas has a decent contract, but Mobley is making some cash that doesn't match with his production. And he's still signed for 2 more years after this one.

If I were the Clippers, I'd give Miami a call and see if they trade Jason Williams and Ricky Davis for Cassell and Mobley. Although I don't think Miami would do it, it may be worth a try considering how much they are stuggling and could use a change. Maybe they would think that two veterans could help the team. The reason I'd do this trade is because Williams and Davis both have expiring contracts. Williams is signed for almost 9 million, while Davis makes about 6. That would give the Clippers 15 million coming off the books going into next season. And I don't look for Maggette to resign, so that's another 7 million. That would be a lot of money to throw at a possible free agent like Gilbert Arenas. I'd gladly take Arenas over Mobley any day.

A lineup of Brand, Kaman, Thornton, Arenas, and Livingston would sound pretty good...if the injuries cooperate. Of course, one must be careful to not make it seem as if the team will be rebuilding. If it seems that way, Brand is more likely to opt out after this year and sign with another team.

Of course, this is all just talk at this point. But again, if the team keeps losing games, I'd be willing to be that some players will be moved before the February trade deadline.

Trade talk is interesting but there is only one problem with this team as it is now INJURIES. Look at what we should have every night. Brand 20/10; Kaman 10/10; Corey 20/3 or some combination. Money in the bank. Shaun 15/6: Sam off bench 10/3, more if he's healthy and can play PG and SG: Cat 10; Thomas 10; Thornton, Williams and Davis were playing well. Throw Q in for D. With the new improved Chris and EB, Corey won't have to create as much and can be more effective in sets. Remember when they were touted as one of the most feared front courts in the NBA? This team should have been #6 easy. Youth and experience.

Sam and Cat aren't that marketable and who would we get for Corey? (an interesting thought) Sorry guys but if Shaun comes back maybe we should unload him rather than gamble on his frail frame. As far as next yr, Tax schmax get who we need

i was messin around with ESPN Trade Machine...

This trade would work...

Clippers trade:

Maggette, Mobley, Cassell

to the Cleveland Cavs for:

Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Damon Jones

Hughes brings defense and can take it to the hole...Gooden can play the 4 position and even back up Brand (tought frontcourt)...and Damon Jones still has game...is a great 3 point shooter