The LA Clippers and Lou Williams have reportedly entered into contract extension discussions.
Lou Williams is eligible to sign a contract extension with the LA Clippers during the regular season. Both sides are still negotiating, but these talks of extension have the Clips’ looking to lock down Lou.
Scott Van Pelt of Sports Center interviewed Lou after his milestone 50 point game in the Clips’ win in Oakland against the Golden State Warriors. When asking Lou on his thoughts on maybe being moved to a different team yet again, he responded with hopes of staying in Los Angeles.
"Honestly I would hope not. I’m putting my heart and soul into this basketball team with the injuries that we’ve had and for us to still have an opportunity to be competitive; I would like to find a home here, I’m starting to bond with these guys, so hopefully this is where I am at the end of the year."
Sources: Lou Williams and the Clippers have recently engaged in contract extension discussions, but no deal's formed as sides evaluate positions. Williams went for 50 points against the Warriors in Oakland tonight. He's eligible for an extension during season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 11, 2018
Considering the amount of injures the Clippers have endured all year and all the talks of blowing up the roster, Williams has helped keep the injured Clippers only 1.5 games away from the sixth seed in the mighty Western Conference!
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, rumors have begun to circulate around the Clips. Committing to Williams seems like the right move, especially leading the way now while he is peaking.
Lou Williams is having a career season, playing his most minutes per game at 31.5. Additionally, Lou is averaging career highs at 22.9 ppg and 4.9 assists per basketball reference.
That commitment t Williams end can put the Clippers in a really good spot. They will have a dangerous scorer off the bench, who can heat up anytime who they can pair with Blake Griffin as a great one-two punch for years to come.
The mid-level exception is estimated to be worth $36.8 million through four years. An extension at that numbers gives Williams a lot of leverage if he decides to pursue free agency. However, even then teams with that much cap space are looking for other stars before Williams.
It makes sense for both parties to agree on terms of a mid-season contract extension. It gives the Clippers as a franchise a better chance of winning now and in the future.