Understanding the LA Clippers Cap Situation Before Free Agency

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Feb 1, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Option A: Sign Blake, but not CP3 nor J.J.

So, for the sake of argument, we’ll just use Blake Griffin’s cap hold number, even though he’ll probably make slightly north of that amount. So, if Blake signs for $30.2M, the Clippers will already be at around $87M. This leaves them with around $14M to sign free agents, while having holes at both the starting guard positions.

Looking at how free agency spending league wide went last year, the Clippers would have a hard time filling both spots with any considerable talent. For example, Austin Rivers got $11M per year last off-season. (And yes, other teams offered this much to him, not just his dad.) The Clips would have about that amount to sign two starters or move Austin into the starting group. So at best, the team would essentially have to sign a player around that quality, someone with the MLE and then, once again, fill the rest of the team out with veteran’s minimum contracts.

Option B: Sign CP3, but not Blake nor J.J.

This is pretty similar, except the Clippers have even less money since Chris can earn more guaranteed money. For everyone saying to let Blake walk, it doesn’t necessarily make financial sense. Keeping Blake instead of Chris means you have that extra couple of million to play with. It may not seem like a lot, but it could be the difference in a player.

Option C: Sign J.J., but not Blake nor CP3

This just makes sense for no one. Why would J.J. want to play for the Clippers, when he can probably get more money elsewhere? Why would the Clippers spend over $14M for an aging guard when they won’t contend. Next option.

Option D: Don’t sign anyone back

This is very possible. This would give us the cap space to make a run at a star in the upcoming years, but Blake and CP3 are at the top of the pack this summer. With no other assets, the Clippers could just fill out the roster with short term deals and hope to hit a home run in the next summer.

They could also go full rebuild by going this route and trade DeAndre Jordan. He would get the team some draft picks back at the least and could help down the road. The team would then have to run with a nucleus of Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford, plus whatever young guys they could bring in. This would probably be the most painful route for fans.

Option E: Bring the whole gang back

By doing this, the Clippers are most likely a first to second round playoff team yet again. However, this could be better than just blowing it up. Sure, Chris Paul might not have a ton of value in the long run, but Blake might. If you re-sign everyone, you can then look to trade them in the future. As mentioned above, the Clippers have no future assets right now.

It’s been the idea that the team could get hot at the right time and all the dominoes could fall in place, but if they don’t and things really turn sour, the ability to trade superstars is almost invaluable. At the least, you wouldn’t be letting both Blake and Chris walk for no return.

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