Though overpaying is not a common occurrence for the LA Clippers’ front office, they have done it before to secure a player they believe is worth the money. This has led to limitations in free agency, and LA ultimately realizes they have a bad contract that they must push through because no team is willing to make an even exchange.
The Clippers were fortunate the Atlanta Hawks took a chance on Terance Mann, as they would have been in an awful position had he not been traded. It was an impulsive decision to extend him, and looking back, the front office managed to get away guilt-free.
Years back, the Clippers signed Marcus Morris Sr. to a four-year, $64 million contract in November 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He was an exceptional role player but not valued at $16 million in the modern-day market.
Eventually, the Clippers dealt him to Philadelphia, but it took a while, as most were uncomfortable with latching on to Morris Sr., given the drastic steps in his physical decline.
As these are some of the poor decisions LA has made within the last five years, the Clippers could repeat something similar with Nickeil Alexander-Walker this July.
The LA Clippers have no business involving themselves in the Nickeil Alexander-Walker hunt, with other needs at hand
With family ties to the LA Clippers in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the front office could make a vigorous pursuit for Nickeil Alexander-Walker this summer. He popped off in the regular season with elite, two-way play and clutch baskets that will bring in a significant check on a likely new team next season.
This season, Alexander-Walker played every game and averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, shooting 43.8% from the field and 38.1% from a distance. He was also solid in a 15-game playoff run by the Minnesota Timberwolves, which adds to why he deserves a lucrative deal.
Fans want Alexander-Walker under Intuit Dome next season, rightfully so, and the Clippers could offer him a multi-year deal. Still, in the end, the addition would be senseless, with other holes needing attention.
Furthermore, instead of chasing a wanted player like the six-foot-five shooting guard, the Clippers should pursue someone like Chris Paul or a big man like Goga Bitadze. This would revolutionize an active weakness into a strength, giving the Clippers more firepower next season.
Conversely, with the financial miscues made with Terance Mann and Marcus Morris Sr. in mind, LA may end up paying Alexander-Walker, although it would soon lead to a stubbed toe.