After blowing a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals, the star-studded Clippers face an uncertain offseason, Danny Leroux of The Athletic writes. Leroux unpacks the potential fates of three Clipper big men worth tracking during Los Angeles’s offseason.
The team can re-sign unrestricted free agent forward Marcus Morris at a 20% annual raise using his Non-Bird Rights. However, Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell, also an unrestricted free agent, may command more money than Los Angeles is comfortable paying him after a lackluster postseason performance, while JaMychal Green will most likely opt out of his $5MM player option for the 2020/21 season in search of a more lucrative payday. In Leroux’s view, the Clippers may look elsewhere for centers than small-ball options like Green and Harrell.
There are more notes from the NBA’s California teams:
- Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox is eligible for a maximum extension of his rookie contract this offseason. Jason Jones of The Athletic assesses the pros and cons of such a deal being completed sooner rather than later, one of the big decisions facing new Sacramento general manager Monte McNair.
- 34-year-old Lakers reserve center Dwight Howard has emerged as a legitimate antagonist against All-Star Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during the two teams’ Western Conference Finals series, writes Sam Amick of The Athletic. Howard was able to use his strength and length to impede Jokic’s passing ability in a Game 2 win. “As soon as I step onto the court, I’m gonna let him know that I’m there,” Howard said after the first game of the series, also a Lakers win.
- During his introductory team press conference today, new Kings GM Monte McNair asserted that head coach Luke Walton will remain on the sidelines for the 2020/21 season, Jason Jones of The Athletic tweets.
This is my favorite topic
After signing Morris extension at 17 million, Clippers have team salary 126 million, cap hold 7 million = total 133 million
What will Harrell and Green contract look like? How about Reggie Jackson and Patterson?
I can’t see $17-18 for Marcus… he’s the kind you let another GM have.
Kawhi is wondering if he wants a dirty team. Marcus can be different types.
Morris isn’t getting 17 million from the Clips. He put up a lot of empty stats for the Knicks.
Morris at 17M is a waste of 14.5M.
Knicks could be a trade partner if they don’t cut their entire roster. Taj, Portis, Payton, Randle, etc. aren’t in their long-term plans but would be solid rotation pieces for LAC.
Hayward could be moved for Harrell.
If they’re trying to recoup some draft capital, a few teams in the East could trade for Harrell and dumps a contract or two. Bucks, Nets, Magic.
That is, if he doesn’t just sign with a team outright – which could very well be the most likely case.
The Clips have little in the way of trade assets, and for that reason might decide to sign their own UFAs Morris and Green if the price is not greatly out whack with the market. Harrell might prefer to go elsewhere.
But its hard to see a S&T partner unless Clips are taking back a bad contract to get a pick in the process. It’s unlikely to be their focus.
Clippers won’t Championships if Harrell walks for nothing
If signing Harrell 110 million, it’s better than nothing
Sign and trade to East