Clippers: 5 point guards to pursue in 2016 NBA free agency

Jan 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 95-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 95-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Utah Jazz forward Chris Johnson (23) defends against Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Jazz defeated the Nuggets 100-84. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Utah Jazz forward Chris Johnson (23) defends against Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Jazz defeated the Nuggets 100-84. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

D.J. Augustin

The first four names on this list, especially Ish Smith and Matthew Dellavedova in particular, are a little more ambitious for the salary cap strapped Clippers. So, in order to finish with a player who will be easier to sign on a low contract, someone such as D.J. Augustin seems appropriate.

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After leaving the prolific, star-driven offense of the Oklahoma City Thunder before the February trade deadline, Augustin found a larger role and more success with the young Denver Nuggets.

As a capable ball handler, a 40.5 percent three-point shooter this season, and a patient player who should be able to keep the ball moving well for the Clippers’ second unit, Augustin is the kind of solid veteran who can help matters if more high-profile names are out of Doc’s low price range. With 17.8 points and 7.2 assists per 36 minutes in Denver, possessing a reliable mid-range game and raising the team’s offensive rating by five points when on the floor, Augustin proved he’s well worth a small contract for the right team.

And if Prigioni leaves and the Clippers look to add a guard to partner with Rivers, Augustin could be the ideal ball handler to complete such a duo.

Next: Everything you need to know about the Clippers' free agency

Augustin is by no means someone the Clippers should desperately pursue and he obviously won’t be the addition to take them to a new level as contenders. That being said, if other options prove to be too expensive for Doc, Augustin should be someone more interested in playing for a contender on a minimum contact.