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The LA Clippers have the cap space to sign two max free agents this summer -- and the team is believed to be in a strong position to land Kawhi Leonard and a potential second-tier All-Star. However, with the Clippers seemingly about to usher in a new era, a number of the current roster may be traded -- and here are three individuals that could leave.
#3 Danilo Gallinari
At 30, Danilo Gallinari is playing the best basketball of his career. The Italian has become a key man in LA since his trade from Nuggets two-years ago, and over the course of the 18/19 season, Gallinari averaged 19.8 points and 6.1 rebounds. However, despite his impressive performances, the LA Times is reporting that the power forward is likely to leave this summer:
Yet even for Gallinari, who is under contract for next season, there is no guarantee he’ll be practicing in the Clippers facility again when training camp opens in September. For all of the impressive numbers Gallinari produced this season, his $22.6-million salary next season in the last year of a three-year deal makes him a candidate for a trade before free agency opens on July 1.
Considering Gallinari’s expiring contract, consistent production and health, injuries have dogged his career since the beginning, he could be an attractive option for other teams unlikely to land a top forward in free agency. The Clippers’ incentive to deal arguably their best player of this season is that offloading his salary is the most straightforward way to create enough salary cap room to pursue top-dollar free agents such as Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard.
If Gallinari is made available for trade, he will immediately become one of the most in-demand wings in the league, and teams such as the OKC Thunder are possible destinations.
#2 JaMychal Green
JaMychal Green joined the Clippers from the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of the trade deadline and proved an instant hit. The 28-year-old played 22 regular season games, averaging 8.7 points, and 6.5 rebounds in 19.6 minutes. His performances helped to secure a playoff spot, and Green stepped up in the postseason, averaging 11 points and 5 rebounds as the Clippers took the Warriors to six games.
However, as an impending restricted free agent, it is difficult to see how Green fits into the Clippers' plans. Despite performing well during his five months in LA, Green struggled to earn a place in the starting five, and with further additions likely, his role is likely to be further reduced. Evidently, Green will be a good pickup for a playoff contending team, and his spell with the Clippers has helped to reignite his career.
#1 Patrick Beverley
When Patrick Beverley joined the Clippers as part of the trade that took Chris Paul to Houston, many suggested the guard was a bad fit in LA. However, after overcoming an injury that kept him sidelined for much of the 17/18 season, Beverley found a regular starting spot and impressed during the Clippers gutsy playoff series defeat to the Warriors. Nevertheless, the LA Times believes that the 30-year-old is likely to leave this summer:
Though Beverley has pledged allegiance to his teammates on an unusually close-knit Clippers roster, he will become a free agent this summer and could demand offers higher than the Clippers’ price range after his bounce-back season. Losing Beverley has always been a known possibility.
Due to his work rate, and accuracy beyond the arc, Beverley should have no problem landing on another contending team, and a return to the Rockets may be an option.
