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NBA Free Agency 2020: 5 teams with the most to lose

By Bryan Toporek

Montrezl Harrell, #5, LA Clippers, (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Montrezl Harrell, #5, LA Clippers, (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts to being fouled after a layup during the first half of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 24, 2020 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts to being fouled after a layup during the first half of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 24, 2020 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

5. Los Angeles Clippers

Here’s the good news for the Los Angeles Clippers: Paul George and Kawhi Leonard can’t opt out until after the 2020-21 season at the earliest. They also have Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams under contract at least through next season.

Here’s the bad news: Montrezl Harrell figures to be one of the most hotly pursued free agents this offseason, and he’s due a hefty raise on the $6 million he’s earning.

Harrell is limited to operating around the basket on offense — he’s by no means a unicorn big man — but that hasn’t stopped him from pouring in points over the past few seasons. In only 27.8 minutes per game this year, he’s averaging 18.6 points on 58.0 percent shooting to go with 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

Harrell’s pick-and-roll chemistry with Williams gives the Clippers two legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidates, which helps explain why their bench leads the league in scoring. Leonard and George should make the Clippers title contenders next year even if Harrell leaves in free agency, but the 26-year-old is a big reason why they’re among the front-runners to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy when play resumes in Orlando.

The Clippers also could be in danger of losing Marcus Morris in free agency after trading Moe Harkless, their 2020 first-round pick and their 2021 second-round pick to the New York Knicks for him in February. Luckily, they also acquired his non-Bird rights, which allows them to offer him a starting salary up to $18 million without dipping into their (nonexistent) cap space.

If the Clippers run it back with Harrell and Morris alongside Leonard, George, Williams and Beverley next season, they’ll again be one of the league’s title favorites. But if Harrell and/or Morris leave in free agency, they could slip down a peg or two in the NBA hierarchy.

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