NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Los Angeles Clippers

With a payroll reaching nearly $115 million and several lackluster performances in the playoffs, fans are left wondering what major change is heading the Clippers’ way.

The Los Angeles Clippers angered some basketball Gods somewhere in the universe. Making the playoffs have not been a problem, succeeding in them has. In six straight trips, the Clippers have failed to reach the Western Conference Finals. Most recently, a blown 2-1 series lead resulted in a first-round exit. Blake Griffin did not finish the series versus the Jazz due to an injured toe. Chris Paul and Griffin have player options for 2017-18. Will Doc Rivers make it through his current contract (2019)? Is Los Angeles’ front office aggressive enough to make a move? Several questions hang over the franchise following a disappointing season.

Here are the team’s five biggest offseason needs.

5. Spreading out the wealth

First of all, the Clippers have the fourth-highest payroll in the league ($114.7 million) and that hasn’t been enough to get them over the mark. If Griffin is not injured then the Clippers are blowing leads in the playoffs. L.A has failed to catch a break. The team’s cap sheet is too top-heavy.

Jordan is a $24-million player, provides good defense and rim-running on offense. However, his free throw shooting has been a problem in close games. He’s still under contract so the Clippers could move him to get a few different contributors for that cost.

Wesley Johnson and Austin Rivers combine for almost a $17 million cap hit. Rivers essentially ruined any sort of chemistry on the roster. Averaging just eight points, he is a shoot-first guard, hi defensive skills are below-average and are easy to exploit. Johnson appeared in 68 games and averaged 2.7 points in 2016-17. On the other hand, Los Angeles is deep in the paint, but spending $6 million on a low-reserve is useless.

Outside of the big three, Jamal Crawford is another huge cost. He is due $14 million next season and is worth the investment. Despite his age, Crawford carried more than his share of the offense this season. He finished fourth on the team in points (12.6) while also shooting over 40 percent from the field. However, he’s a huge defensive liability as well Bottom line, GM Dave Wohl has to figure out how to get more for his money.