As game three of the NBA Finals was recently concluded, the LA Clippers’ front office must zone in on the upcoming free agents who refuse to go down in the high-pressure environment. These are the guys who fought all the way to attain 12 wins and are more than willing to fight through mental fatigue to win four more.
Furthermore, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder both have a share of fan-favorite big men who could sign to their next home this summer, depending on who wins the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
One of the names to watch for if his team option is declined is Jaylin Williams, the backup power forward on the Thunder. He had a great third-year showcase, despite playing just 47 games, but has not been a major factor in the postseason, averaging 8.1 minutes per game thus far.
On the opposing sideline, Thomas Bryant of the Pacers will also be a free agent the Clippers should glance at. Similar to Williams, Bryant is averaging 9.2 playoff minutes per contest.
If the Clippers want to pursue the ‘bigger fish’ they have been striving for, the front office must persistently hunt down Myles Turner, which could happen through a sign-and-trade.
The LA Clippers must be in pursuit of Myles Turner based on what he has shown in the NBA Finals
Running a five-man starting lineup, consisting of two players in the frontcourt whose natural positions are at the center, is something the LA Clippers are not used to. Conversely, it is a new strategy they should try that fits the modern era of basketball, with Indiana Pacers’ star Myles Turner.
Turner has spent every year of his NBA career with the Pacers, but after what he has done in the playoffs and NBA Finals, the Clippers must end up being the highest bidders in offering him a starting, power forward role in the recently built, best arena in basketball, the Intuit Dome.
Moreover, the six-foot-eleven big man has been a major threat with Tyrese Haliburton. He posted 15 points in 28 minutes in game one and followed up with 16 points in 27 minutes in game two, which both were on the road.
On the contrary, Shams Charania recently spoke on what this offseason could hold for Turner, and he added that Indiana would offer him a major deal and pay the luxury tax.
If Turner prefers a new scene, he may decline Indiana’s negotiations and may be more willing to work on a sign-and-trade to move to Los Angeles and possibly play on the Clippers’ side of town. However, time will tell, primarily if the Oklahoma City Thunder come back and win after being down 2-1.