The LA Clippers have a bunch of different routes they could take in free agency. They could push for youth, or chase after a legitimate star to pair next to Darius Garland. However, while both of those routes are clear and make sense, CJ McCollum, who is soon to be unrestricted, is the player LA needs to pursue following the playoffs.
In fact, over his last two games for the Atlanta Hawks, in which both were split, McCollum has averaged 29.0 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds, shooting 54.8% from the field and 36.8% from a distance. He was also extremely reliable in the clutch during Game 2, scoring 6 of his 32 points on a perfect field-goal percentage.
It’s also worth noting McCollum was a stud in the regular season for Atlanta as well. He averaged an efficient 18.1 points through 41 games.
CJ McCollum would be ideal to have around, no matter the era LA is in
Some fans might see hunting to acquire CJ McCollum in free agency as a waste. He’s going to be 35 before the regular season begins, so why have him around, especially if he demands quite a bit of money after proving to be of great value on a postseason contender like the Atlanta Hawks?
Well, the answer is right in front of us; the Hawks are a team focused on youth, which is likely going to be the LA Clippers next season, yet McCollum has still found several ways to contribute.
He is a bucket on the court, is extremely useful on the sidelines, and is the motor of the locker room. This is a need, as in times of a postseason loss, motivation and encouragement are tremendously important.
Additionally, McCollum being there is even more of a luxury, given that Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are new to their leadership roles in the playoffs.
In the event LA decides to retain Kawhi Leonard for the final year of his contract, or even extend him to give him the path to retire a Clipper, which would be a shocker, signing McCollum makes even more sense, as he could seriously help the Clippers fight for a deep run.
So, either way, the veteran guard is the ideal free agent. As long as he doesn’t ask for an outrageous check that LA physically cannot afford, the Clippers should try their hardest to bring him to Inglewood, California.
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