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Los Angeles Clippers: The perfect “second star” to add with Kawhi Leonard

By Jason Reed

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 05: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first quarter of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 05: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first quarter of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Clippers are the consensus frontrunners to sign Kawhi Leonard this summer and can also grab a solid second star in the offseason as well.

Big things seem to be on the horizon for the Los Angeles Clippers, at least as long as all of the hype from the build-up to this offseason comes true.

The Clippers’ front office has been setting the team up financially for this offseason, which is one of the deepest offseason we have ever seen in the NBA and is one that is full of star power. Starpower that the Clippers want to dip themselves in.

With the NBA Playoffs still underway, the Clippers are the consensus favorite to sign Kawhi Leonard. Of course, a lot of things can change in the coming weeks, but Clippers fans have to feel good with how the team is situated heading into the summer.

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Leonard is not the only player that the Clippers can add this offseason. The team is set for just under $60 million in practical cap space, per Spotrac, and can realistically shave the remaining salary cap space needed to sign two max superstars if the team really wanted to.

That would take trading Danilo Gallinari, which would be worth it if that meant getting a second max guy like Kevin Durant. However, if the team needs a “second star” at a cheaper cost than Kawhi Leonard, we know exactly who it should be.

It should be none other than center Nikola Vucevic, who is coming off his best year with the Orlando Magic in which he was an all-star.

Vucevic is arguably the best center available in free agency but is not going to get a max contract. The Magic likely won’t offer it after selecting Mohamed Bamba in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft and teams are usually wary on massive contracts for centers unless they truly are above and beyond.

Vucevic, who averaged over 20 points and 12 rebounds this season, would be absolutely perfect for the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers would have around $37 million in practical cap space, assuming Leonard signs for the max, which accounts for $32.7 million in his first season.

Vucevic is probably going to get something along the lines of three years and $75 million, which he absolutely should be happy with. Maybe even throw a fourth-year player option at the end to intrigue him and the Clippers would be set.

I understand any potential worry of paying a breakout center $25 million per year over three years but Vucevic played incredible this season and has even developed the ability to space the floor.

Plus, the Clippers have the money to spend and would still have $12 million in cap space to sign rookies as well as role players. Before signing the rest of the role players the Clippers could run a starting five of Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Kawhi Leonard, Danilo Gallinari, Montrezl Harrell and Nikola Vucevic.

That is not counting a bench that would consist of Jerome Robinson, Lou Williams, Landry Shamet, Ivica Zubac, Garrett Temple or Wilson Chandler.

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The team might need to add another power forward to the mix but that is still a great start to a title-contending starting five with a very solid bench, all fit around the perfect pairing of Leonard and Vucevic.

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