NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers covet Arron Afflalo
Although the Los Angeles Clippers may not land a superstar like Miami Heat forward LeBron James or New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony, they will be looking to make an upgrade this offseason.
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According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com, the Clippers, who were in discussions to acquire Arron Afflalo from the Orlando Magic last year in a deal that would have sent current Phoenix Suns’ guard Eric Bledsoe and current Oklahoma City Thunder swingman Caron Butler to the Magic, still covet Afflalo.
"The Clippers’ discussions about making a run at James or Anthony have been internal thus far; however, sources said the team has engaged in trade discussions this spring with the Orlando Magic regarding shooting guard Arron Afflalo. Those conversations were initially rebuffed by the Magic, who didn’t like the package of assets the Clippers could offer, sources said. However, there was some sense the clubs could revisit those talks later if they morphed into a three-team discussion.The Clippers have coveted former UCLA star Afflalo for several years, coming close to trading for him last summer before the deal — which included Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler — was shut down by owner Donald Sterling, sources said. Sterling has since been banned for life from the NBA for racist comments."
The Clippers instead dealt for Affllao’s former teammate, guard J.J. Redick.
Afflalo, who is reportedly open to being dealt to a playoff team, is coming off of the best season of his career. He averaged 18.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 45.9% from the field, 42.7% from beyond the arc and 81.5% from the free throw line.