The Los Angeles Clippers continue to make offseason moves despite being in the Kawhi Leonard investigation limbo. They are still waiting for the resolution of the league's investigation to finalize that trade, but that hasn't stopped them from strengthening their roster for next season. Following their head-scratching decision to re-sign Bradley Beal, the Clippers traded for Max Strus. Getting involved in Cleveland's Peyton Watson's acquisiton, the Clippers swooped in and added Strus for just a second-round pick. The Clippers are clearly trying to compete next season. Without Kawhi, they obviously won't have the top-end talent to make serious noise in the playoffs, but they hope to be a tough out night in and night out. GM Lawrence Frank revealed the team's intention to be as competitive as possible in his official remarks following the Strus trade. Clippers Must Trade for a Center After the Max Strus AdditionTo have a reasonable shot at being a solid team in the Western Conference, the Clippers have to make more moves. They have solid veteran depth in the backcourt, but they lack quality in the frontcourt. Most importantly, they have one of the worst center rotations in the league. Upgrading their center depth has to be the top priority between now and the start of the season. Between Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Strus, the Clippers may have enough solid perimeter defenders. Without a reliable rim protector and defensive rebounder behind them, however, it's impossible to have a good enough defense. The Clippers intend to start Brook Lopez. The 38-year-old was remarkably healthy and available last season, but he needs to be a backup at this stage of his career. The Clippers had to rely on him too much in the second half of the season after Ivica Zubac's departure. They haven't added a capable center to the rotation who can help anchor the defense. Plus, there is a real chance that Lopez will suffer a decline. He is already slow-footed and lacks mobility. He is not a very good rebounder. Especially since the starting power forward, Rui Hachimura, is not a very physical or athletic player, the Clippers will have a major weakness on the interior. In terms of quantity, the Clippers have enough centers. Johni Broome and Isaiah Jackson could play center in limited minutes, and they are decent offensive options. Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who will miss the start of the season, should make an impact upon his return. But that is not a group that the Clippers should feel good about going into the season, especially defensively. The Clippers must look into trading for another quality center. It doesn't have to be a sure-fire starter, but someone like Daniel Gafford or Goga Bitadze would go a long way. Whether they do that by a Bennedict Mathurin sign-and-trade, or a combination of veterans like Dunn, Jones Jr., Lopez, and Jackson, is up to them. But without such a move, the Clippers have no shot at competing defensively. Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow