Prior to opening night, the LA Clippers' homegrown stud Amir Coffey established himself in head coach Tyronn Lue's rotation. This task is arduous for young players in Lue's scheme, as most are waived or traded to a more promising destination.
Furthermore, the start of the season was great for Coffey. He posted nearly 13 straight games of over 20 minutes, and no matter the scoreboard or shot clock, the former undrafted free agent was not scared to shoot. This is an aspect fans do not see often, especially in guys who had a come-up story.
Aside from drilling threes and slashing in transition, Coffey has also been the Clippers' leader in free throw efficiencies(minimum 125 attempts). He is shooting 89.8% in that area and has confidently stepped to the line in numerous close games this season.
Conversely, where Coffey has performed well below the culture set by Jeff Van Gundy is on defense. He is a detriment regardless of who Lue attempts to disguise him with, and opponents expose him because they are aware of his imperfections.
That said, Coffey will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Clipper Nation firmly believes there are better options for executive Lawrence Frank to spend the team's money on. However, Lue's recent words suggest what the front office may have planned.
Tyronn Lue's words after the win against New York hints at another contract for Amir Coffey
Tyronn Lue has demonstrated faith in Amir Coffey at several points in the year by fearlessly sending him to the scorer's table. The Clippers could be tied or down by 15, and Lue will rely on Coffey to get a bucket.
Moreover, Coffey has averaged 24.9 minutes this season and posted 9.9 points and 2.3 rebounds, shooting 47.1% from the field and 40.9% from a distance.
On the flip side, Coffey has played 22.0 minutes in 18 games since the all-star break. In his time on the floor, he has had a defensive rating of 115.9 and a net rating of -5.2.
In the win at Madison Square Garden, Lue stated, "He's still got to stay ready, come Cleveland he might start, so he's just got to stay ready. He's always stay ready and that's why he's one of my favorite guys, just coming here, going through the G-League system, two way, earning the contract and earn a bigger contract... now he's on his way to even a bigger contract now..."
Here is what Ty Lue said postgame about Amir Coffey, who was a DNP-CD against the Knicks.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 27, 2025
Mentioned he needs to stay ready because he could start against the Cavaliers. Also said he’s on his way to an even bigger contract in free agency. pic.twitter.com/Qgy8Jj3Rpx
Given that the front office knows Coffey's status in the upcoming offseason, this statement could suggest where the Clippers will look to take things. His party will request a lucrative deal, and LA may spend it on the Minnesota product with their extra salary cap. Lue also mentioned a start against the Cavaliers, meaning more minutes will fall into his hands.