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LA Clippers: 3 Positional Needs If They Land Kawhi Leonard

By Ryan Snellings

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 24: Patrick Beverley #21 and Steve Ballmer, owner of the LA Clippers, hug after Game Five of Round One against the Golden State Warriors during the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 24: Patrick Beverley #21 and Steve Ballmer, owner of the LA Clippers, hug after Game Five of Round One against the Golden State Warriors during the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Orlando Magic Center Nikola Vucevic (9) looks on during a NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Orlando Magic Center Nikola Vucevic (9) looks on during a NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Starting Center

The LA Clippers have Ivica Zubac. While he is still very young and has shown flashes of potential, the team doesn’t have enough time to let him grow should they land a superstar. Championship windows are small and landing a true starting center would better serve the team if they plan to make an actual run. Zubac would still get to learn and grow during the regular season, but adding a real starter would be key. This is where I would like to see the Clips spend their money.

First up? Nikola Vucevic. I see him as just a tier below guys like Kawhi and Kevin Durant in terms of best free agents available this summer. The Clippers could afford to max Leonard, keep Gallinari and pay Vucevic in the area of $15-$20 million a year. Of course, this would mean every other free agent singing would need to be made using exceptions (hello JaMychal and Pat). Still, his ability to score as a fourth or possibly fifth option would be incredible and the Clippers would have some much needed rebounding.

Al Horford is possibly another candidate, but that is dependent on how he handles his player option. Forever the consummate pro, Horford would work well with both the starting unit and paired next to Montrezl Harrell. His veteran presence would also be super beneficial to all the youth on the team and if the team loses Beverley, he could quickly become a team leader.

The last option here might not be as flashy nor cost as much, but would still work. Both Lopez brothers are entering free agency and while Brook probably won’t be leaving Milwaukee, Robin could be gotten. The 31-year-old Robin Lopez doesn’t do anything extremely great, but doesn’t do anything poorly, either. He isn’t capable of knocking down the three consistently, but can score when needed, will grab rebounds and is a decent rim protector. As a consolation prize on the center market, the Clippers could do a lot worse.

Next. Clippers Work Out Draft Prospects. dark

Free agency is sure to be a wild time, but if the LA Clippers manage to achieve their goal, they will need to follow up with more smart moves. Free agency starts on June 30.