The Los Angeles Clippers are having a quiet offseason, unlike their city rivals Los Angeles Lakers. The Clips finished the 2020/21 NBA season losing to the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals, recording their best campaign in franchise history.
Of course, they’re aiming higher next season, trying to reach the Finals and win the championship. That won’t be an easy job, but the Clippers are getting ready to face a season full of challenges.
Besides Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Californians could add another star to have a bigger chance to win the championship next season. According to Andrew Griff and Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times, DeMar DeRozan is on the radar of the Clips.
AG: I asked Frank how the team viewed its timetable as contenders in the wake of Leonard’s knee injury, which could keep him out most of, if not all of next season. He said the Clippers still expect to be very competitive in the West. They’re not punting on next year — nor should they, practically, given that their roster core is only getting older. But how to contend with such a scoring void given Leonard’s injury? One name described as a target of the team’s interest in free agency is DeMar DeRozan, who is an unrestricted free agent.
BT: DeRozan had his sights set on joining the Lakers as a free agent and coming home to play for his favorite team while growing up in Compton. But Russ put the brakes on that. DeRozan made $27 million last season and probably doesn’t want to take that big of a pay cut. So, for the Clippers to sign DeRozan, they probably would have to do a sign-and-trade. But watch out for Dallas possibly being a home for DeRozan.
DeRozan will be a great addition to the Clips if Kawhi sits out the entire 2021/22 season. His struggles from beyond the arc shouldn’t be a problem for the Clips knowing that they have shooters on the roster.
Pairing DeRozan with Paul George sounds like a very interesting idea for Tyronn Lue’s team. If the Lakers don’t make a move for the San Antonio Spurs player, their neighbors will be happier to acquire his services.
DeMar has stated that he wants to return home, and if it’s not possible with the Lakers, then the Clippers could get his wish granted.
