Through the NBA Draft, the LA Clippers’ offseason has not begun in the most fitting way possible. Several mistakes were made, and these are those that cannot be redeemed, as the Clippers’ young core is considered bottom-tier.
The best way to turn the offseason around is by fixing holes and rotation gaps in free agency. Signing cheap yet productive players will be crucial, and the perfect first start is Chris Paul, who played last season with the San Antonio Spurs but has no plans to return due to the number of guards within their bright, young rotation.
However, Paul will be a tough option to pursue. He could have the Los Angeles Lakers in mind to finally play with LeBron James while being close to home, or the veteran guard may play professionally one last season on a team like the Dallas Mavericks, who need a floor general as desperately as anyone.
The Clippers must keep their options open in case Paul does not reunite, and another guard on the market is D’Angelo Russell. He is no longer an All-Star or even in the conversation, as he was years ago, but his experience and scoring would elevate LA’s bench.
On the other hand, Russell’s flaws are prominent, and although the Clippers may still be interested in a potential contract, ‘The Stein Line’ has reported that the Dallas Mavericks are first in line to sign the three-level scorer, which ultimately saves LA from a disastrous decision.
The Dallas Mavericks indirectly saved the LA Clippers from throwing their offseason away by signing D’Angelo Russell to a bench role
The LA Clippers are not a team that needs defense, but they should still avoid those who have their biggest flaw in guarding the perimeter and holding their ground. D’Angelo Russell is one of those guys, and he would yield negative defensive ratings each time he plays due to his size.
Additionally, with Russell, the Clippers would also have to worry about his efficiencies, as he was below average in that department this season. In 58 games, Russell averaged 12.6 points and 5.1 assists, shooting 39.0% from the field and 31.4% from three.
These numbers, combined with his weak defensive reputation, are not worth what the Clippers can offer through the mid-level exception. Russell would be a good signing on a veteran minimum, but his representatives may want more, so it is a win-win that the Dallas Mavericks are ready to sign him in free agency.