One of the LA Clippers’ top priorities this summer should be re-sigining Patrick Beverley. Rumor has it that might not be such an easy task.
20 years from now (and probably sooner than that), fans of the LA Clippers are going to look back on the 2018-2019 season and remember it for a few key things.
First and foremost, their unlikely run to the playoffs and the path they took to get there. From trading away the team’s best player in Tobias Harris and playing two rookies in the starting rotation, LA’s improbable pursuit of playoff glory will not be lost on fans for some time.
Other moments, like when Doc Rivers honored Dirk Nowitzki in his final game at STAPLES Center, or when the Clippers stole Game 2 on the road from the defending champion Golden State Warriors, stand out as well.
More than anything, though, fans will remember the players that made this team so special. And one of the players that was most vital in that effort was Patrick Beverley.
A unrestricted free agent this summer, Beverley was the heart and soul of the never-say-die Clippers that managed 48 wins in ultra-competitive Western Conference. Because of that, LA is expected to do everything in their power to retain Beverley this summer so he can make his mark felt again as they pursue the playoffs, and possibly their first-ever title, next season.
Make no mistake, though — Beverley isn’t obligated to return to Los Angeles. As much as all the fans would appreciate it, he’s completely earned the right to make the decision that benefits him the most. And from the looks of it, the decision he could make is to sign with his hometown Chicago Bulls once free agency begins later this month.
The Chicago Tribune‘s K.C. Johnson wrote Thursday about an interview he had with Beverley, and from the looks of it, the two-time All-Defensive guard is going to have a very open mind about his future this summer.
"In his words, he’s “open to anything” in free agency. But to say Beverley sounds fired up about the possibility of playing for his hometown team is as much an understatement as saying he persevered to make the NBA.[…]“I am Chicago. I’m from Chicago. I bleed Chicago. I really think I can help the city. I think I can save the city,” Beverley said. “I inspire already. And I’d be a great inspiration just walking around the city of Chicago, knowing I’m from there, knowing that someone made it out and you can go and do the same.“I’m a Chicago kid. So of course I’m open to playing for the Chicago Bulls if that’s a team that’s interested in me. At the same time, any decision that is made, it’s never personal. It’s always business. I have to make the right decision for me and my family.”"
Later on in the story, Beverley also stated that he’s “all about winning”, which is something the LA Clippers will likely pitch him on when the two sides sit down to discuss his future and a potential contract.
In Los Angeles, Beverley is already a winner. He doesn’t have a title to show for it yet, but everything he and the Clippers managed this season was undoubtably a success. And now that the team has room to add a superstar talent like Kawhi Leonard, it’s hard to imagine Beverley’s chance to win — while still maintaining a large role — being higher with a team not named the Clippers.
Without looking too far ahead, Beverley could very easily maintain his status as a starter with the Clippers next season. Along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he’s the best point guard the team has, and his defense is second-to-none. Assuming LA sticks to a smaller lineup next year with Landry Shamet on the wing, SGA and Bev could remain at the one and two.
But like he said, it’s going to come down to whichever situation is best for Beverley and his family. He has obvious ties to both the LA Clippers and the Chicago Bulls, and either choice would surely work out in his favor. But regardless of what he decides to do, Clippers fans will always have his back, even if he’s playing halfway across the country.