Clippers Rumors: Griffin, Paul, Young, Williams

We already rounded up a series of Tuesday morning Lakers updates, so let's take a look at what's going on with Los Angeles' other team. Here's the latest on the Clippers….

2:35pm:

  • Although Mo Williams has expressed a preference to pick up his 2012/13 player option and remain in Los Angeles, GM Neil Olshey isn't ready to take that as gospel yet. "Guys say a lot of things right after the season but I’m sure that [agent] Mark Bartelstein hasn’t really explored all his options yet," Olshey told Eric Pincus of HoopsWorld. "But once those are on the table, Mo will make an informed decision."
  • The Clippers wouldn't mind adding a two guard with some size, and a floor-spacing power forward, or "stretch four."
  • Olshey isn't worried about being able to bring in additional talent: "We’ve got trade exceptions, we’ve got one-year contracts, we’ve got draft picks we can move and the most exciting thing is now we’re a destination."
  • While the Clippers don't figure to have Chauncey Billups' Bird rights, since they claimed him off amnesty waivers, Non-Bird rights will be more than enough if they want to re-sign him — amnesty rules allow the Clips to offer up to 120% total salary, including the amount the Knicks are paying, rather than just 120% of the $2MM+ he's earning in L.A.

11:11am:

  • While the Clippers are expected to offer Blake Griffin a maximum contract extension, it's not a sure thing that Griffin will accept it, says Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld. According to Kyler, Griffin's future in Los Angeles could be tied to Chris Paul's — if Paul is willing to sign a long-term extension, Griffin likely would be too.
  • Unrestricted free agent Nick Young isn't expected to be a Clipper next season. Although Young would like to return, the Clips may not be able to make him a competitive offer.
  • It's not known yet whether Mo Williams will exercise his player option for next season. He almost certainly won't find a 2012/13 salary greater than the $8.5MM the option is worth, but he indicated earlier this season that he wouldn't mind some longer-term security.
  • Vinny Del Negro is expected to meet with owner Donald Sterling this week, with a decision on the coach's job status to come shortly thereafter. The Clips hold a team option on Del Negro for next season.

—–

View Comments (4)