With the full mid-level exception available, fans of the LA Clippers can begin building scenarios where the front office signs the best, most ideal role players this summer. Sharpshooting and interior dominance are a need, and those who thrive will be the favored targets by Lawrence Frank and LA executives.
Furthermore, numerous teams around the league are in a challenging position this summer, as they would like to bring back several free agents, especially if they are fan favorites, but cannot do so logically due to financial constraints. This leads to picking and choosing, and of course, someone is always left out.
The LA Clippers must be aware of the locations of these teams and schedule visits accordingly. This is the golden opportunity for Frank to display why the Clippers are the best free-agent destination in the NBA.
Moreover, the Detroit Pistons are among the organizations in a dilemma, and their picks are Dennis Schröder, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardway Jr.
However, based on the report of Jake Fischer, Hardaway Jr. will likely be the odd man out, and this should push the Clippers into signing him on a multi-year deal in July.
The LA Clippers will have the green light to pursue one of Detroit's valuable role players, and they should take advantage of it
Ahead of game two of the NBA Finals, Jake Fischer, a credible NBA insider, mentioned the Detroit Pistons prioritizing Dennis Schröder, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway Jr. one through three.
Fischer followed with Hardaway Jr. being in last place, meaning his time in Detroit ended when they were sent home in the first round, in the most hurtful way possible, by Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks.
During the regular season, the veteran sharpshooter averaged 11.0 points, shooting 36.8% from a distance in 77 games. He did take an individual 5.9 three-point attempts per game, but that is what the Clippers must add to, as their average throughout 2024-25 was 33.4, the second-lowest in the NBA.
In LA, Hardaway Jr. would perform on the Clippers' bench under the luxurious roof designed by Steve Ballmer. There is no reason why he would not love his stay, and on the flip side, head coach Tyronn Lue needs the no-hesitation trigger he possesses from beyond the arc.
That said, the Clippers have the perfect opportunity to sign the experienced, sharpshooting wing because his current team will not be able to re-sign him.