Clippers rumors: Los Angeles after Luol Deng, Trevor Ariza & Spencer Hawes
The Los Angeles Clippers haven’t been a real player for the elite free agents like Miami Heat forward LeBron James and New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony and haven’t locked down agreements from any free agents but have still been very busy.
More from Los Angeles Clippers
- Did Russell Westbrook play role in James Harden’s Clippers interest?
- 3 potential James Harden suitors not named the Clippers
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
- 5 players Sixers could acquire in Harden deal to stay competitive
- NBA rumors: One Damian Lillard suitor could drop out in favor of another star
Head coach Doc Rivers has been speaking to one of his former players in Boston with the Celtics, current Brooklyn Nets’ free agent swingman Paul Pierce. The Clippers have reportedly “engaged” the Nets in talks about a potential sign-and-trade.
The Clippers could wind up using guard Jamal Crawford, who has two years and $11 million left on his contract (the final year is a team option), as a piece and a potential sign-and-trade. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, who first reported Crawford’s potential move and desire for a contract extension, lists Cleveland Cavaliers’ free agent forward Luol Deng and free agent big man Spencer Hawes as potential targets for the Clippers. The Cavaliers acquired both players during the regular season in separate trades.
Arash Markazi of ESPN Los Angeles confirmed the report and also listed Pierce and Washington Wizards’ swingman as potential targets.
Pierce averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field, 37.3% from the three and 82.6% from the free throw line last season. Deng averaged 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 43.1% from the field, 30.2% from three and 79.1% from the charity stripe. Ariza went for 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He shot 45.6% from the field, 40.7% from beyond the arc and 77.2% from the free throw line. Hawes put up 13.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field, 41.6% from three and 78.3% from the free throw line.