With the trade of Isaiah Thomas to the Cavaliers, we start to speculate way too early: Should the LA Clippers look at the point guard next summer during free agency?
With the news breaking that the Cleveland Cavaliers have traded Kyrie Irving for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn’s 2018 first round pick, we have to start speculating. Should the LA Clippers look to sign Thomas when he becomes a free agent next summer?
The simple answer: Hell no.
Thomas is on the last year of his contract and will likely demand a lot of money next summer. The amount he is owed is a big part of why the Celtics were willing to part with him, despite what he did for the team.
The LA Clippers just signed Blake Griffin this summer to a max contract. Next summer, they’ll likely try to retain the services of DeAndre Jordan. Without getting technical, that’s a lot of money tied up to two players. With the team actually looking like they’ll have some depth this summer, why ruin that by signing another big name guy and limit what you can do?
This is ignoring the fact that Isaiah Thomas suffered a hip injury, which ended his playoff run. For a 5’9 player who needs speed, a hip injury could be very harmful to his career. Obviously, Cleveland doesn’t seem to scared about the risk, but if there is any drop off in his ability, Thomas doesn’t become worth it.
Hopefully, with the addition of Jerry West as an advisor and the hiring of Michael Winger as GM, the LA Clippers will start to make more sensible, thought out moves. The team seemed to do so this summer, so hopefully they don’t undo this progress by making an offer to Isaiah Thomas.