Clipperholics
Fansided

LA Clippers’ Rumors: Luc Mbah a Moute expected to opt out of contract

By Paul Tooke

Feb 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) reacts to a foul call in the first quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) reacts to a foul call in the first quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Luc Mbah a Moute has a player option with the LA Clippers, however he is most likely going to decline this option and try free agency.

Luc Mbah a Moute is expected to opt out of his contract with the LA Clippers. Luc spent the 2015-2016 season on the team playing 17 minutes per game while putting up a meer 3 points 2 rebounds. During this time he was on a 1 year/$1,270,964 contract. After that season, Luc signed a 2 year/$4,505,135 contract with the Clippers, including a player option for the second year.

During this season, Luc proved to be a solid starting small-forward, providing great ball-movement, smart plays, and effective defense. The team has gotten their money’s worth out of him, and we were all getting used to seeing him in the starting lineup. The problem is, he is clearly worth more than his payment of $2,203,000 per year. Let’s look at the Clippers’ options for this sticky situation.

Offer Luc a bigger contract

The Clippers own Luc’s “Early Bird” rights, allowing them to offer him a contract worth somewhere between seven and eight million dollars. Accepting this offer would mean Luc taking one for the team, as other teams may be interested in meeting with the 30-year old forward. The Clippers could offer him this increased contract should they have to, but may avoid this considering both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will be unrestricted free agents in the offseason. Luc has been a great fit for the starting small forward spot, and the team would certainly rather have him stay than leave.

Let Luc test free agency

As mentioned before, Luc’s player option for the 2017-2018 NBA season of $2,302,135 is most likely not going to satisfy him. Should the Clippers let Luc meet with other teams, he will quickly find a new home on a roster in need of a defensive role player. The problem with Luc leaving is that the small forward saga (now three years in the making) will continue for the Clippers. With Luc gone, the only currently contracted options for the position next season are the lengthy Wesley Johnson and undersized Austin Rivers.

Luc Mbah a Moute has until June 29th to either pick up his $2,302,135 player option for the Clippers or opt out and test free agency. Clipperholics will keep you updated on this situation and any news related to Luc Mbah a Moute’s and other players’ contracts.

Home/Clippers Rumors