With the 2018 NBA Draft behind us, expect the Clippers to move some of their excess guards in the coming weeks.
Now that the 2018 NBA Draft has ended, we can turn our focus to free agency. How will the Clippers fill the holes in their roster? What players will stay or go? One thing is certain. The team will need to trade or move some guards to clear space.
Returners
The group of guards who are under contract is the following:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Jerome Robinson
- Lou Williams
- Austin Rivers (expected to opt in)
- Sindarius Thornwell
- Jawun Evans
- C.J. Williams
Undecided
Then, we have the group of guards who haven’t been decided on:
- Patrick Beverley (team option)
- Milos Teodosic (player option)
- Tyrone Wallace (free agent)
- Avery Bradley (free agent)
If you weren’t keeping count, that’s eleven guards. That’s right. Eleven. With NBA rosters only carrying fifteen players, it’s pretty obvious that a good amount of these guys will be on the move.
Milos Teodosic is already likely gone. He and the team seem ready to part ways, per earlier reports.
Tyrone Wallace will be courted by other teams who can offer more money. One unverified source told us the Pelicans will have interest.
Avery Bradley will be looking to get paid, but his injuries last season may make his market shrink. Still, he will get offers.
Patrick Beverley seems to be the lone candidate that will return to the team out of the group that has been undecided on.
What happens?
Even with Bev as the only one of the four undecided players returning, that still leaves eight guards. Someone will have to be traded or moved. Maybe the move is as simple as sending Jawun and Sindarius to the G-League, where they would shine with the Agua Caliente Clippers. However, that move would likely be beneath both players.
Austin Rivers will be an expiring contract, after reportedly deciding to opt in. He may have some trade value come the deadline, but his $12 million contract will be a lot for contenders to take on.
The most likely candidate to be moved? Lou Williams.
Lou is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. Despite his play, he signed to a low $7 million per year extension. This is a super team friendly deal which may allow the Clippers to flip him for future assets. As much as fans love Lou, he’s likely the one to be moved.
Next: Analyzing the trade value of Lou Williams
Who would you let go? Let us know on Twitter @ClipperholicsFS and keep checking back here for all your free agency news!