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Los Angeles Clippers: History of Free Agent Delusion

By Allan Aguirre

Kobe Bryant and general manager Mitch Kupchak answer questions during a press conference held at the Lakers training facility in El Segundo, Calif.. Thursday, July 15, 2004. Bryant chose the Lakers over the Clippers, remaining with the team he joined in 1996 at age 18 and later helped win three NBA championships. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage)
Kobe Bryant and general manager Mitch Kupchak answer questions during a press conference held at the Lakers training facility in El Segundo, Calif.. Thursday, July 15, 2004. Bryant chose the Lakers over the Clippers, remaining with the team he joined in 1996 at age 18 and later helped win three NBA championships. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 06: Steve Ballmer owner of the Los Angeles Clippers watches a game between the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Cox Pavilion on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Magic defeated the Nets 84-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 06: Steve Ballmer owner of the Los Angeles Clippers watches a game between the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Cox Pavilion on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Magic defeated the Nets 84-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

After striking out on big name free agents this summer, we take a look at the history of the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency.

Being the second team in Los Angeles, the Clippers always seem like an optimal free agent destination for star players. Getting the opportunity to play in a major market and a great city should make the Clippers a haven for star players looking for a new beginning.

Unfortunately, it has not quite turned out that way in the last decade and a half. The Clippers are always a surprise potential suitor when a mega star becomes a free agent. This is due to Los Angeles being an obvious star destination and the Clippers usually having the cap flexibility to have a star come in.

When it comes to signing their names on the dotted line, players never choose the Clippers. (Unless they are an over the hill Baron Davis.) If anything, players use the Clippers as a leverage point in negotiations. Being a fan of a team often means you have some optimism regarding your team’s ability to win in your lifetime. Fans of the Clippers are able to convince themselves they are going to get these stars because it is a chance at finally becoming a Championship team. In the end we fall short.

However, the Clippers will have a legitimate shot for at least one star in 2019 with their massive amount of cap space and Free Agents looking to team up.  Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to see some of the stars that Clippers fan had bought into for a possible link up.

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