1. Eric Gordon
Heading into last year’s NBA Trade Deadline, the LA Clippers were in search of a retooling of the backcourt. After deciding against some of the other veteran point guard options, the Clippers rounded back to an old friend, Eric Gordon. While he played solid for the team down the stretch and into the playoffs, there’s no guarantee that the Clippers will bring Gordon back next season.
And his nearly $21 million team option is what makes that complicated. The Clippers will have a big decision to make on Gordon but if they’re looking for ways to cut some costs, this would be the easiest way to do so heading into the summer. The big question is whether the Clippers are prepared to lose Gordon for nothing this offseason. That’s probably what makes this decision more difficult than it should be.
The Clippers may have to end up deciding between Gordon and perhaps another veteran point guard option, perhaps even bringing back Russell Westbrook. Or maybe they are able to decline the option and bring Gordon back at a much lower price?
Either way, it would be surprising if the Clippers didn’t seriously think about declining Gordon’s team option for next season if they have legit concerns about the upcoming tax penalties.