Feb 26, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo (4) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Magic defeated the Sixers 98-84. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Clippers have been a very active bunch so far this offseason and they’re showing no signs of slowing. After landing Doc Rivers as their new head coach and locking up Chris Paul to a long term deal, the Clippers are hot after finding guard help via either free agency or a trade. Los Angeles is hot after both Tony Allen and O.J. Mayo but contrary to reports, they haven’t pulled their hat out of the running for Arron Afflalo.
According to CBS Sports’ Ken Berger, the Magic and Clippers have still been discussing a deal that would swap Caron Butler and Eric Gordon for Arron Afflalo.
Clips-Magic still discussing Afflalo for Bledsoe/Butler swap, source says. Theory: LA wants to see OJ Mayo/Tony Allen pursuit through first.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 1, 2013
It’s clear that the Clippers would rather not give up a young guard like Bledsoe to land Afflalo when they can simply sign O.J. Mayo or Tony Allen and fill the role Afflalo would be filling if acquired.
But the Clippers aren’t closing the door on any options and it appears they’re ready to craft a winner no matter where the pieces come from. Either way adding a guard is going to cost the Clippers but it’s now a question of will that cost be strictly dollars or will it cost players as well.
