NBA Free Agency 2019: 5 targets for the Los Angeles Clippers

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3. Kyrie Irving

Irving could opt-out and circle back to the Boston Celtics, team up with Durant somewhere (the Knicks and the Nets as the most likely in that scenario) or even sign with the Lakers and re-team with LeBron James if there are any teeth to indications that are on the table. The possibilities are wide and trying to pin down what Irving will do almost feels fruitless.

Patrick Beverley is headed for free agency and is likely to find a nice deal somewhere else. So the Clippers will be looking for a proven veteran point guard, barring something unforeseen, with the means to add a significant name and a theoretical upgrade. Offensively Irving fits that bill, when he’s not jacking up shots in an inefficient, at times selfish fashion (see this year’s Eastern Conference playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks as a recent example).

If any coach can get Irving to buy-in to a team concept and sacrifice some personal stats, Rivers is toward the top of the list. Jerry West is staying in the Clippers’ organization as a consultant, and his thoughts regarding a run at signing Irving will surely be valued. It’s easy to see West liking another point guard on this list a lot better, as many others around the league might, but the Clippers can make an offer to get Irving’s attention and that will matter.

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