As one of a handful of big-market teams looking to pursue top-tier free agents during the summer of 2019, the Clippers would prefer not to take on any 2019/20 money in deadline trades. However, as Johan Buva of The Athletic outlines, the team could be convinced to cut into its projected cap space if a multiyear deal provides too much value to pass up, as was the case with Lou Williams‘ three-year extension or Montrezl Harrell‘s two-year contract.
“It’s a lot that goes in it,” head coach Doc Rivers said of his team’s trade deadline plans. “It’s easier when you think you have a shot to win it. Then it’s an easy move. If there’s a move to make your team or put your team over the hump, those are easy. Where we’re at, you have to be very careful with anything you do because anything that puts money on your cap and all that, it’s probably a bad move in some ways. Unless you think it’s a longtime guy. Every team has their own stuff. It’s different for everyone.”
Despite a recent slump, the 26-22 Clippers remain very much in position to push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, holding the No. 8 seed for now. Los Angeles wants to make the postseason, according to Buva, who suggests a playoff berth would help prove to potential free agent targets that the club has the “players and infrastructure to build and support a contender.”
Still, the Clippers’ long-term goal is to build a roster capable of sustained success, so if there’s a move that would align with that goal, the team would be interested, per Buva — even if it means taking a step back in the short term.
Here’s more on the Clippers:
- According to Buva, Milos Teodosic is a player to keep an eye on at the deadline, as the veteran point guard has hinted that he’s not thrilled with his role. The Clippers aren’t necessarily actively looking to move on from Teodosic, since they view him as an important insurance policy behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Patrick Beverley. However, if they find a suitable trade partner or Teodosic expresses interest in a buyout, that stance could change.
- Outside of possibly Teodosic, the Clippers aren’t shopping any of their other players on expiring contracts, says Buva. That group includes Marcin Gortat, Mike Scott, Boban Marjanovic, Luc Mbah a Moute, and Beverley. Avery Bradley is also on a de facto expiring deal, with a $2MM partial guarantee for 2019/20.
- While the Clippers aren’t targeting a specific position at the deadline, Buva suggests that center could be a spot to watch. League sources tell Buva that the Clippers inquired about Bulls center Robin Lopez, but talks didn’t advance.
The Clippers have a weird assortment of useful players on affordable contracts. They’re like the Pacers of the west. No real superstar but crazy depth and flexibility.
Spot on comment!