The Los Angeles Clippers express interest in their own free agents Jamal Crawford, Austin Rivers, and Jeff Green as NBA Free Agency opens.
For the first time in franchise history, the Clippers have the market, roster, spending money, and owner to attract a marquee free agent. That is why rumors connected them with Kevin Durant.
Related Story: What Free Agents are rumored to L.A.?
With a Durant meeting scheduled later, the Clippers reportedly spent the first night of NBA Free Agency reaching out to their own unrestricted free agents.
The Clippers' Doc Rivers made sure to call free agent Jamal Crawford this evening, I'm told, & swore to him he's going nowhere. We shall see
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 1, 2016
Crawford is one of the greatest sixth men ever. Hence, the Clippers are smart to express immediate interest. Crawford has a booming market thanks to his 14 consecutive seasons averaging more than 14 points, and his great personality.
No surprise, but first team to call Jamal Crawford after free agency started was the Clippers. L.A. has tough competition for JC though.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 1, 2016
The Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic are all expected suitors for Crawford.
Speaking of Orlando, they also reached out to Jeff Green on night one.
The Orlando Magic expressed interest in Jeff Green tonight, according to sources.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 1, 2016
However, the Clippers also met with Green in Miami on the first night of NBA Free Agency. This should not be a surprise either. Los Angeles gave up a draft pick to get Green at the trade deadline. He and head coach Doc Rivers also go back to the Boston Celtics.
Clippers met with Austin Rivers in ORL and Jeff Green in Miami, per source
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 1, 2016
Rivers goes back even farther with another Clippers’ free agent, his son Austin Rivers. Austin spoke with the organization on night one too.
Sources: Clippers officials met with Austin Rivers Thursday in Orlando, and Rivers is expected to talk with Knicks, possibly Portland Friday
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2016
The Vertical also reports that Rivers could meet with the New York Knicks and Portland Trailblazers soon. Considering he wants a big pay raise, the Clippers are smart to be proactive with resigning Austin.
On night one, the Clippers’ approach to their own free agents could mean they’ve gotten word that Kevin Durant is not coming.
Written it, but will repeat it: If Clippers can get Durant, they get Durant. If not, they try and sign as many of their FA's as possible
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 1, 2016
Alternatively, they might be buying themselves some time with Green, Crawford, and Rivers in NBA Free Agency. The organization could tell them to hold off on a deal with another team until the Clippers figure out what is going on with Durant.
Regardless, the Clippers seem to be making Crawford, Rivers, and Green their NBA Free Agency priority. Those three could also be priorities because the franchise owns their “Bird Rights.” Meaning Los Angeles could go over the salary cap to retain them.
Next: Should L.A. make a run at Chandler Parsons in NBA Free Agency?
As for the Clippers other free agents, no official news on Cole Aldrich, Luc Mbah a Moute, Pablo Prigioni, Wesley Johnson or Jeff Ayres.
That could change shortly as it usually does in free agency. Stay posted.