NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 potential destinations for Gordon Hayward
By John Buhler
Los Angeles Clippers
West, Pacific
There is a chance that the Los Angeles Clippers could have zero stars heading into next season. Point guard Chris Paul and power forward Blake Griffin have early termination options built into their contracts to potentially become free agents this summer. Shooting guard J.J. Redick will already be a free agent. There is even some noise about center DeAndre Jordan getting dealt.
Then again, it wouldn’t be overly shocking to see Clippers owner bring back all the members of his big three for another go-around. Redick has honestly priced his way out of Los Angeles. Could this leave the door open for the Clippers to poach the swingman that beat them in the first round?
Hayward to the Clippers sounds strange, but could make the Clippers better equipped to hang tough rival the Pacific Division rival Golden State Warriors. Though he does like to create his own shot out on the wing, Hayward could be that missing piece the Clippers have been frantically looking for at small forward.
A trio of Paul, Griffin and Hayward could make Los Angeles capable of getting to the Western Conference Finals for once. Isn’t that still a primary goal for the Clippers organization? If the Clippers need to dump Jordan’s salary to do it, why not go for it? Hayward helps keep the Clippers interesting in 2017-18.