The Los Angeles Clippers have a win-now mentality going into the 2013 season. After having one of the best regular seasons in recent history with the franchise, the postseason saw an early first-round exit. Now with new head coach Doc Rivers and newly re-signed Chris Paul controlling the team, the Clippers are making key offseason moves. While several players have been added, a few could be on their way out.
Los Angeles is fresh off a three-team trade that acquired J.J. Redick and Jared Dudley. With those two players in, Chauncey Billups and possibly Matt Barnes could be headed out.
Billups only started 22 games last season, playing shooting guard. Redick will take over that spot in a starting role for the Clippers. Redick will get the 2 spot with Jamal Crawford and Willie Green giving production on the bench. There are only so many seats courtside and it appears Billups might not have one.
Redick will bring a lot of productive in the guard role to Los Angeles. He average 14.1 points last season while shooting 36.6 percent from 3-point range. It will be tough now for the Clippers to keep hold of Billups with those sorts of numbers. The reigning Teammate of the Year has been getting interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks in free agency.
Barnes is another expendable player for Los Angeles. He averaged 10.3 points last season as a reserve. He served in a defensive role against point guards and small forwards. He made just over $854,ooo last season and will now have to review his options with the Clippers after the recent trades. At 33, Barnes can still be productive for a team and has been getting some interest from the Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks and his former Lakers. There is time for Barnes to share with Dudley since Caron Butler was traded to Phoenix and Grant Hill retired. That will be left up to Barnes to decide if that is what he wants.
Both Billups and Barnes could still seem some playing time with the Clippers if they decide to remain on the team, but the bench is getting crowded. With multiple teams interested in both players, Los Angeles will likely have no problem saying goodbye.