With trade rumors swirling around him, something positive came out about Lou Williams. He and the Los Angeles Clippers are nearing a contract extension.
Well, there’s a chance he isn’t traded now! Los Angeles Clippers fan favorite Lou Williams and the team are reportedly nearing a contract extension according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Signing Lou to an extension would ease the minds of many Clippers fans, as his career season has instantly made them fall in love. He has been a part of almost every trade rumor this season, so an extension would be quite a surprise.
No details on the dollar amount have surfaced, but this is a good sign for the Clips. If they can ink Lou to a reasonable deal now, they also won’t have to worry about losing him in the offseason.
Story with @WindhorstESPN filed to ESPN: Extension discussions between guard Lou Williams and the Clippers have gathered significant momentum and a new contract is within reach before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2018
Now, this doesn’t mean that Lou 100% won’t be traded. There are cynical people out there who think that leaking news about a contract extension could make potential trade suitors nervous and eager to pull the trigger.
If I were trying to jump start a frenzy to acquire Lou, I’d leak that a contract extension was about to happen without giving out any potential deal numbers. But maybe that’s just me.
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) February 7, 2018
It does make a bit of sense, as Lou’s age may not fit well with the Clippers apparent plans to go young. However, as he’s shown this season, he is still extremely useful, so he very well may be a piece they are have in their plans.
For the season, Lou is averaging 23.3 points and 5.3 assists, both of which are career highs. Despite injuries to the rest of the team and the trade of Blake Griffin, Lou has been a bright spot and has helped keep the Clips just a half game back of 8th place in the Western Conference.
Next: Lou Williams being pursued by Celtics
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