While the playoffs are still happening, the LA Clippers players need to take the free agent recruiting effort into their own hands.
At a bare minimum, there are still five games left on the NBA schedule this year. Even if the playoffs after those five, free agency does not officially start until June 30 at 6pm EST. With so many big names on the market and so much time between the end of the season and the time teams can talk to them, the onus of recruiting falls onto the players. The LA Clippers need their guys to step up to the plate.
It’s no secret that the loophole to the NBA’s tampering rules is player to player recruitment. Draymond Green famously called up Kevin Durant after the Warriors’ game seven loss to the Cavaliers in 2017. LeBron James spoke with both Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh before taking his talents to Miami. It’s just something that happens.
If the LA Clippers intend to land one or both of Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard, the players need to start working now. Lou Williams has the respect of players across the league, so he likely would be a good choice to talk to other players. For Durant specifically, perhaps Montrezl Harrell could reach out since KD was so complimentary of him during their first round match up.
Even though both Durant and Leonard are still involved in the postseason, it’s important that the Clippers’ players start now. LeBron James has reportedly already reached out to both Kawhi and Jimmy Butler in an attempt to bring them to the Lakers. One would have to think he will also be contacting Durant at some point or another.
“From what I understand, [LeBron] has already begun the recruiting process. I’ve heard he has had contact with Kawhi Leonard. I’ve heard he’s had contact with Jimmy Butler.”
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 24, 2019
—@WindhorstESPN reporting on @PTI pic.twitter.com/2ppJjjL60h
Yes, James has a harder sell with all the turmoil in Laker land right now, but by starting now, he is allowing himself time to convince another star to sign with the Lakers. If James’ recruiting is public knowledge, it’s likely members of other franchises are doing the same.
Perhaps the Clippers players are already working. After all, it’s no secret what the franchises’ intentions are heading into free agency. If they aren’t though, it is something that needs to be happening as soon as possible.