Every fan of the LA Clippers would welcome any superstar Lawrence Frank decides to add this summer. It is fundamental to build around Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac, so whoever is being pursued by Frank would be the ultimate building block to aid LA.
However, stepping down a few notches from superstar-level players, what will elevate the gameplan of head coach Tyronn Lue next season is an automatic, off-ball moving, quick-release sniper. This is the type of guy most teams have, and Bogdan Bogdanović can be the guy to do it, but he is viewed as a three-level scorer.
Furthermore, the last strictly sharpshooter LA had was Luke Kennard. He was a major piece to the team’s successful 2021 run, and he also had some unforgettable moments like a four-point game-winner against the Washington Wizards or a half-court third-quarter buzzer beater to boost a comeback over the Atlanta Hawks.
Like Kennard, these archetypes are massive toward offensive sparks as they can go on a heat-check from beyond the arc and quickly dice a major deficit.
Though most rivals have their sharpshooters reserved or will ask the Clippers to give up an arm and a leg, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a free agent available for Lue next season.
Sam Merrill would do wonders from a distance for the LA Clippers’ bench next season
As they are alike in playstyle, size, and frame, Luke Kennard demonstrated his difference-making abilities in the LA Clippers’ 2021 Western Conference Finals run; he had 18 significant points in game one against the Utah Jazz and 10 more in game two against the Phoenix Suns. This shows that three-point specialists can be played in the postseason.
Moreover, Sam Merrill averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists last season, shooting 40.6% from the field, 37.2% from three, and 96.6% from the line. He was also consistently available, as his impact lasted for 71 games.
Because he was excellent for the Cleveland Cavaliers, LA should anticipate Merrill asking for at least $10 million annually on his new contract. This is a fair asking point and will cause Lawrence Frank to use the mid-level exception.
With Merrill in the second unit, Bogdan Bogdanović would be able to unleash his strengths as defenses cannot lose sight of both simultaneously. One will inevitably be free, and if not, an island will be at hand for James Harden or Kawhi Leonard in isolation.
That said, Merrill would be a great way to maximize the mid-level exception. He is a star in his role and has a high probability of joining another contender this offseason.