As the LA Clippers must be frugal with the mid-level exception they have to spend, most expect the money to go to a viable, veteran center. Whoever has the most talent among the options will likely receive the check from LA, but what should not be overlooked is the experience, as the Clippers need a player who has been through it all and understands how to navigate through adversity.
This description perfectly describes Steven Adams, the newly-extended center of the Houston Rockets. Their front office knew they had a piece other contenders would try to chase, and before he even got the chance to become a free agent this summer, Houston extended him for the next three seasons worth $39 million, fully guaranteed.
Furthermore, $39 million is fair for Adams, who had a phenomenal seven-game postseason. He averaged 5.7 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 60.0% from the floor and was crucial in the almost completed 3-1 comeback.
That said, with Adams off the market, a center the Clippers would have likely made a run at using the mid-level exception, their challenges of signing someone of the same caliber became much harder.
Money-wise, Steven Adams’ contract extension with the Houston Rockets set the tone for big men on the same spectrum
For most backup big men around the league entering free agency this summer, they will likely use Steven Adams as a prime example to lure in a pretty penny from playoff competitors. This ultimately hurts the LA Clippers’ odds of finding a role-playing big man who stars in his responsibilities, as the second unit also needs a true point guard, and there is only so much money available to spend.
Moreover, the Clippers will now be forced to decide which position to prioritize, and the outcome could trend more toward veteran point guards like Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.
One of the two, or a similar type of player, will ultimately hold more value in the Clippers’ books as the team was more reluctant than they should have been on James Harden.
Following the news of Adams, the smartest strategy the Clippers should take to fill the backup center void is through the NBA Draft. It will be risky, as the front office must pick with precision. Still, a rookie contract is far more economical than attempting to spend double-digit millions on two different bench positions in free agency.