Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2018: One signing every team should make

By Chris Manning

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 07: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 07: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Clippers — Montrezl Harrell

Based on their recent moves, and their know desire to land a star player, it seems like the Clippers are going to be one of the teams that punt this summer and look ahead to 2019. With that in mind, it’s hard to see them taking on any significant money this summer that would impact their books next summer.

One option for them, however, is locking up Montrezl Harrell. He’s a restricted free agent this summer and, while the have several centers on the roster already, he’s the youngest and one that fits the modern NBA the best. He’s mobile, rebounds well, flashes a modern offensive game and runs the floor well. He’s a good backup, even if he’s a bit undersized.

The concern the Clippers should have is that there are teams that could sign him to an offer sheet that complicates their cap sheet moving forward. But in a summer with not a lot of money, maybe there isn’t much of a market for Harrell.

And that should help the Clippers. They should not be in a rush to try and win now. Their best path to success involves signing Harrell, and other parts of their team they think would be attractive supplemental pieces to star(s) in 2019, to deals that still allow them to sign stars. And looking at the other frontcourt players on the Clippers’ roster, Harrell is the one that makes the most sense going forward. Retaining him a fair price should be a top priority.

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