Lakers Rumors: Which trade destination is the best for Jordan Clarkson
By Jason Reed
3. Los Angeles Clippers
Alongside their LA foes, the Clippers are also entering an interesting offseason for their franchise. With both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin holding player options, the Clippers may see themselves return to mediocrity. Coming off of multiple years of disappointment, both Paul and Griffin may seek to take their talents elsewhere in pursuit of either a ring or more money.
Alongside Paul and Griffin, the Clippers have several guys that will be testing their chops in free agency. J.J. Redick, Brandon Bass, Raymond Felton, Marreese Speights, and Alan Anderson all are at the tail end of their contracts with Luc Mbah a Moute having the ability to opt out of his contract with a player option.
On the positive side of things, this many free agents will allow the Clippers to free themselves of excess baggage, allowing them to overpay Paul and Griffin with their Bird Rights. However, the Clippers are losing two guards in Felton and Redick, leaving them dangerously thin off the bench.
If the Clippers cannot resign either guy they now see themselves with three guards, Paul, Austin Rivers, and Jamal Crawford. Rivers has had his ups and downs and Crawford excels as a sixth man, but neither are starting caliber.
Jordan Clarkson can start though, and would be a great option for Paul to feed in the backcourt. With so much freed baggage, the Clippers can afford Clarkson’s contract and could give the Lakers future first round picks in exchange.