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Identifying the LA Clippers’ top targets ahead of free agency

By Garrett Chorpenning

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during Game Six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on June 13, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during Game Six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on June 13, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during a game against the Toronto Raptors during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 9, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during a game against the Toronto Raptors during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 9, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 3: Jimmy Butler

2018-2019 statistics (combined): 18.7 PTS, 5.3 REB, 4.0 AST

During the lead-up to the 2018-2019 regular season, headlines were dominated by what was going on with Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves. And when he initially requested a trade, Butler was most focused on joining the LA Clippers.

The draw was obvious — the following summer, the Clippers could have the capacity to sign two max-level free agents, if they played their cards right.

Butler didn’t end up coming to Los Angeles, as he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers after playing just 10 games in Minnesota this past season. But if he was truly interested then, the two-way star likely still is now.

With Philadelphia, Butler posted averages of 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in just over 33 minutes of action per game. He also recorded nearly two steals per contest, highlighting his ability on the defensive end.

Like Horford, Butler would probably be best suited to play with another star like Kawhi Leonard, as his game alone wouldn’t bring the Clippers within title contention. Rumor has it that pairing could be an option, too.

Butler, like Leonard, is a tough defender with plenty to show for on the offensive side of the floor as well. While he’s a step below other two-way stars like Paul George, Butler is still among the most talented players in the game and could be the ideal player to join with Leonard this summer.

The Clippers have yet to clear a second max-salary spot on their roster, but assuming LA follows through with whichever teams they’ve heard from that would be willing to take on Danilo Gallinari‘s contract, it’s all but a foregone conclusion that they’ll have the room to bring in two stars this summer.

If Butler does end up being the guy, look for the Clippers to be one of the toughest teams on the floor next season.

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