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While the LA Clippers players have taken some much-deserved time off having entered the NBA offseason, the organization will be searching for ways to improve the roster for the next campaign. Ty Lue's side came within two wins of reaching their first ever Finals appearance, however without Kawhi Leonard they lacked the killer instinct to get past the Phoenix Suns.
The Clippers had been hoping to make changes during the regular season and were involved in rumors to bring in the likes of Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry. However, as it was, they opted to bring in Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins. Although the latter helped in the playoffs, particularly against the Suns, Rondo was unable to make much of an impact.
The point guard position is a particular area the LA Clippers will try to address in the offseason. In this article, we will look at five players who will be free agents in the summer and whom the franchise should pursue.
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Five free agents the LA Clippers could look to bring in over the offseason
Despite ending the campaign as one of the best teams in the NBA, there is always room for improvement for any side. That may not be as straightforward as hoped for LA Clippers fans, though this offseason the franchise is extremely limited by its cap space.
The players we have outlined in this article are therefore those attainable via the LA Clippers' mid-level exception or via a sign-and-trade deal.
#5 Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose may have priced himself out of the LA Clippers' cap space limit after his playoff performances, therefore we have added his name tentatively to this list. However, championship contenders, especially big market ones, have a way of wooing top talent to their organization without having to spend as much as others would.
Rose was invaluable to the New York Knicks in the short space of time he spent with the franchise. The veteran guard helped Tom Thibodeau's side into the playoffs, where he averaged 19.4 points and five assists in their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks.
Having a player such as Rose with his shot-making ability and creativity, as well as his experience, would be worth every penny of the LA Clippers' mid-level exception if they could persuade him to come west.
#4 Cameron Payne
The Phoenix Suns are in a similar position to the LA Clippers after knocking them out of the NBA playoffs this week. They have a number of free agents and have a huge decision to make on their All-Star leader Chris Paul.
Phoenix will be able to pay Paul more than other teams should he choose not to take up his player option in the summer. Priority to keep backup point guard Cameron Payne would hence fall for the Suns as he could definitely demand more than the $1m he received this year.
Payne has been a terrific option for the Phoenix Suns off the bench all year and fits in well with the LA Clippers' current crop of threats from deep. He shot at 44% from downtown during the regular season and 48% from the field. In the playoffs, he has increased his offensive output, chipping in with over ten points a game and 3.8 assists and has sometimes had to start in place of the injured Paul.
#3 Kelly Olynyk
One rogue option the LA Clippers could pursue in a sign-and-trade would be Kelly Olynyk. A stretch big would provide backup to Ivica Zubac or could play at power forward. Since moving to the Houston Rockets midseason, Olynyk has been electric, averaging 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds across 27 games.
Granted, that was a small sample size, but Olynyk's efficiency metrics are extremely promising. He also has playoff experience as an option off the bench for both the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat in deep postseason runs. He could be an intriguing choice for the Clippers if they are looking to bolster their frontcourt options.
#2 T.J. McConnell
Another option in the backcourt the LA Clippers could pursue with their limited cap space would be T.J. McConnell. Although he is ultimately a hustling Sixth Man option, they could promote him to the starting role given their lack of options, especially if Reggie Jackson leaves.
On 26 minutes a night this year, McConnell averaged a respectable 8.6 points and 6.6 assists while shooting at 56% from the field. He would give the Clippers consistent scoring from that point and is more creatively-minded than Patrick Beverley. He is also extremely effective on defense, grabbing a staggering 1.9 steals per game - the most of any bench player in the league.
#1 Lonzo Ball
Akin to Kelly Olynyk, the LA Clippers could only hope to attain Lonzo Ball as part of a sign-and-trade deal. The 23-year-old point guard has been involved in NBA rumors all year due to him becoming a free agent and there will be several suitors looking to bring him in over the summer.
The Clippers should be at the front of the pack. We have already made it clear how desperately they need a point guard to run the offense and Ball is steadily proving he can be that presence on a bigger stage than in New Orleans. He pulled up career-high shooting metrics this year and averaged 14.6 points a night along with 5.7 assists. On the other end, like T.J. McConnell, Ball also has an active hand, grabbing 1.5 steals per contest.
Bringing in Ball would likely mean losing Patrick Beverley and Marcus Morris along with a draft pick or roster filler to make the economics of a deal work. But if the LA Clippers can get a deal over the line, they could be looking at a very potent big three on offense without losing their defensive grit.
