Although the LA Clippers recently lost in the first round of the playoffs, the players and the coaching staff have a chip on their shoulders to bounce back next year better than ever. This means the front office will be very aggressive on the free agent market.
Furthermore, this year’s offseason free agency may be one to remember. There is a blend of superstars, all-stars, and high-end role players, who may be looking for a change of scenery. Fortunately for the Clippers, they play in the city of Los Angeles, one of the league’s largest markets.
That said, here are three free agents who have the potential to guide LA to the NBA Finals if all goes as planned.
3. Russell Westbrook
While this may not be a new addition, resigning Russell Westbrook will be at the top of the list for the LA Clippers. Not only did he prove the narrative wrong, but he showed how he could contribute to a new role despite his weaknesses.
Moreover, it is safe to say that if the LA Clippers had healthy Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, they would have made a return to the Western Conference Finals. This is primarily because of Westbrook’s impact and ability to shine as the team’s third option.
Specifically, in game four against Phoenix, the former MVP dropped 37 points, six rebounds, and four assists while shooting 58.6% from the field. Not to mention the Clippers only lost by 12 points to a team with multiple all-star/superstar-level players.
Outside of his performances, Westbrook brings a level of intensity and leadership that the team had been missing. This ultimately led the Clippers to notch the fifth seed and end the regular season with several crucial wins.
2. Brook Lopez
As Mason Plumlee may be on his way out, the LA Clippers should take a strong look at Brook Lopez. Not only is he one of the best defenders in basketball, but he has a tremendous offensive mindset that is often overlooked.
Furthermore, Lopez just finished the final year of his 52 million dollar deal. This means that he will command a hefty contract in free agency. Additionally, Lopez was recently named a finalist for the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award. This backs up his value and why he is worth every penny of his contract.
To make this signing possible, the front office will likely have to move on from Marcus Morris Sr. This gives LA a chance to offer Lopez a fully guaranteed four-year, 100 million-dollar deal. Most teams around the league may be able to match this deal. Still, Lopez will be able to play for one of the best franchises in all of basketball.
As for his value, the numbers speak for themselves. Throughout 2022-23, Lopez averaged 15.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in just above 30 minutes. What makes these stats more remarkable is that he only missed four games this season.
Assuming Russell Westbrook resigns with the Clippers, he will likely benefit the most from a player like Lopez. This ties directly into three-point shooting, as Lopez shot 37.4% on nearly five attempts per contest. Having him space the floor leaves a wide-open paint for Westbrook to attack and kick the ball out if needed.
1. Jerami Grant
The free agent that will impact the LA Clippers the most is the former second-round draft pick, Jerami Grant. He has the ability to score at all three levels and maintain his ground on the defensive end. What’s more, he is coming off the most efficient year of his career, with a true shooting percentage of 60.6.
Moreover, Grant will likely demand an offer around the four-year-90-million mark, primarily because of his significant improvement over the years. This is a price the Clippers could easily meet if they make some changes to their roster.
That said, Grant adds a level of talent and explosiveness the Clippers desperately need. They would have a ridiculous amount of length in their starting lineup, leaving players like Nicolas Batum for the bench. This is the dream scenario for head coach Tyronn Lue and his staff.
Not to mention Grant does not have a major injury history which is a key component for a team like the Clippers. Having him next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George eases the scoring load significantly, allowing the starting five to begin games with a sense of urgency. This was an issue for LA throughout the year as their age slowed them down in the regular season.
While signing Grant may have many benefits, the biggest bonus is that he will thrive in whatever role is asked of him. If the Clippers were to make the signing, he would be expected to defend in a high volume of minutes and space the floor for Leonard and George. This will make his game much more accessible as he will be able to expose easier matchups and rack up points.