Despite being knocked out in the first round of the playoffs, the LA Clippers have many deeply valued stars. Players like Russell Westbrook, Terance Mann, and Ivica Zubac dominate their roles, making them some of the most valuable players on the team’s roster.
Conversely, the LA Clippers have some players who are overpaid. This could be caused by health, performance, or off-the-court issues. All in all, these players do not perform up to par with how much they are reeling in each year.
As time passes, the Clippers’ front office must consider what to do with overpaid players. They could either be traded, waived or let go in free agency. Regardless, it may be time to move on unless they prove themselves in the upcoming season.
3. Marcus Morris Sr.
After signing Marcus Morris Sr. to a four-year, $64 million deal in 2020, fans hoped the front office got a bargain on one of the best role players in the league. Initially, this seemed like a great contract as Morris Sr. shot the lights out in 2020-21. However, he began to get hurt, and his age started to catch up with his game.
Now, it is evident Morris Sr. holds the worst contract on the Clippers’ roster. It has gotten to the point where he can’t stay healthy and is a liability every time he steps on the court. Additionally, his three-point jumper took a major swing towards the end of last season.
Nonetheless, the LA Clippers should prioritize trading Morris Sr., as they could get a late draft pick in return. If not, the front office will likely let him walk next offseason as his contract is on the verge of expiring.
2. Amir Coffey
When looking at Amir Coffey’s contract, it is hard to think the LA Clippers overpaid him. However, he is one that forced himself out of the rotation. The front office primarily resigned him due to his premier two-way abilities. Not to mention, in 2021-22, he showed prominent flashes of star potential.
Furthermore, in 2021-22, Coffey averaged 9.0 points in just under 23 minutes per contest. In addition, he shot 37.8% from distance and was a key contributor when the Clippers had their backs against the wall. Based on these numbers, the front office made sure to bring him back before another team swooped in and snagged him for a better deal.
Once the superstar duo regained their health, Coffey’s minutes slowly decreased. Though this can cause a slump on the court, the mentality has always been to stay ready. For Coffey, this was not the case last season. He received many chances throughout the year but could not capitalize on either end of the court.
Moreover, during 50 games in 2022-23, Coffey posted 3.4 points per game on an atrocious 38.6% from the field and 27.5% from the three. What’s more, he recently found himself in a bit of legal trouble, which ultimately lowered his value. This puts the front office in a position to look for a trade.
That said, it’s unusual for a player not in the rotation to be overpaid, considering he’s making under four million per season. But Coffey’s issues on and off the court have forced him into the conversation. Undoubtedly, if he doesn’t prove himself within the first half of the season, he will likely be moved at the 2024 trade deadline.
1. Robert Covington
When he plays, Robert Covington is among the most impactful players on the LA Clippers’ roster. He can consistently knock his shots down and is a menace on the defensive end. However, since Tyronn Lue has an absurd amount of wings to work with, somebody will face the short end of the stick. Unfortunately for Covington, that someone had to be him.
Furthermore, the Clippers’ front office had every reason to re-sign him as he dominated once he was traded to LA. In fact, he even dropped 43 points against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he shot 45% from three to finish the 2021-22 regular season.
From a broad perspective, fans may wonder how Covington could be overpaid if he is so good when he plays. Well, that’s the problem; he is usually at the end of the bench. Though he was available for most of last season, the former Tennessee State product racked up countless DNPs throughout the year.
Moreover, regardless of their talent, no player at the end of the bench is worth over $10 million per year. This money could be used on numerous players who can contribute in other positions.
Currently, Covington is set to enter the final year of his contract. If he lands quality minutes in the upcoming season, there is a chance he will get resigned to a longer deal. It all depends on his role and how comfortable he feels with his responsibilities on the championship-contending LA Clippers.