LA Clippers: Tonight is the first chance at courting Kevin Durant
With the team set to square off against the Golden State Warriors tonight, the LA Clippers have their first chance at courting Kevin Durant before he hits free agency.
It’s no surprise to anyone that the LA Clippers will attempt to court Kevin Durant as he enters free agency next summer. The team could have two max-contracts available and will look to pair some mixture of Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler (who seems less likely now) and several other big name players.
Tonight, the team gets their first shot at bringing Durant to the fold as he and the Golden State Warriors come to town.
To the Clippers benefit, Durant has already indicated that he would like to experience getting paid, which he has pushed aside in lieu of championship runs with the Warriors.
Most teams would make paying Durant their top priority should he show interest in their franchise, but as of now only the Lakers and Clippers have the ability to pay Durant, as will the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
That is to say, getting Durant is no cake walk. If the Clips want to prove that they are the right destination for KD, they have to prove it every way possible.
Jerry West already had a hand in luring Durant to a franchise. Now, he will again have to work some magic. Part of that magic comes from the team on the court.
On the court recruiting
Last season, Durant acknowledged the change in roster that the LA Clippers made while on Bill Simmons’ podcast. He felt a new energy was needed for the team and liked the direction they were heading. Although he got to play against this roster last year, they didn’t have the same chemistry as they do now.
Fresh off a victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, this Clips team is garnering national media attention. Many are praising the fact that the sum is greater than the parts. By continuously playing as they have been, the team only becomes more and more attractive to prospective free agents.
The front office cannot talk to Durant for obvious tampering reasons, but players under contract, such as Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams can. These two specifically have been huge for LA and can prove the value in signing with both their words and play.
No, tonight may not be a traditional recruitment trip, but the Clippers can show Durant the culture they are building and give him a first-hand experience of their capabilities.
Next. 2016-17 Clippers: Where are they now?. dark
It will be a long time before free agency starts, but every bit of recruitment helps. The time to start is now.