Kofi Inkoom
As the NBA Free Agency approaches, the Los Angeles Clippers are expected to make significant changes to their roster, potentially parting ways with some of their star players.
According to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, James Harden is expected to re-sign with the Clippers. However, Russell Westbrook is unlikely to return, considering other options due to playing time opportunities. Westbrook holds a player option for next season.
“As of Friday morning, Harden is expected to return to the Clippers in free agency despite George’s contractual situation taking center stage, sources told ClutchPoints,” Azarly reported. “George’s negotiations are not expected to affect talks between Harden and the Clippers. League sources have told ClutchPoints that Westbrook is not expected to be in a Clippers uniform next season, with Russell reportedly looking at other options that would include opportunity and playing time. There have also been reports of the Clippers’ interest in point guards Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry, which would reinforce the idea that they’re going to replace him.”
The situation with Paul George is also pivotal for the Clippers. George, an All-Star with a player option, could opt out to become a free agent or choose to stay and potentially request a trade.
Reports suggest the Clippers haven’t offered George the contract terms he desires, leading to interest from teams like the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Houston Rockets.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding George, sources indicate that negotiations with Harden are progressing independently. Harden, who averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists last season, is expected to stay with the Clippers.
Meanwhile, Westbrook, who averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists faces an uncertain future with the team. The Clippers, who fell short to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 playoffs, are working through a crucial offseason to strengthen their roster around their core players.
More on clippers :
- P.J. Tucker has opted to exercise his player option with the Clippers for the 2024/25 season, securing his $11.54 million salary as per HoopsHype’s Michael A Scotto. Despite his diminished role last season, appearing infrequently and averaging 1.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, Tucker’s defensive ability and past contributions are notable. Now 39, he is less impactful offensively and may be considered a trade option for the Clippers amidst their offseason adjustments involving other key players like Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook.
- The Clippers are signing Trentyn Flowers, a 19-year-old forward who went undrafted in 2024 despite being a potential late second-round pick according to ESPN’s rankings, the Athletics’Law Murray reports. Flowers, previously part of the NBL’s Next Stars program with the Adelaide 36ers, averaged 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game last season. Known for his athleticism and scoring ability, Flowers’ overall game is seen as needing development. His contract details with the Clippers, beyond likely more than a summer league deal, have yet to be disclosed.
- Also LAC signed undrafted rookie RayJ Dennis to an Exhibit 10 contract today, as reported by Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress.com. Dennis, a fifth-year super-senior from Baylor, will join the team for Summer League and training camp with the opportunity to compete for one of L.A.’s two-way roster spots. Known for his versatile play at Baylor, Dennis averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game last season with efficient shooting percentages. His contract can potentially be converted into a two-way deal before the regular season begins.