The Los Angeles Clippers have an All-Star roster that still is not enough to make headway in the Western Conference. As a result, the team is in heavy pursuit of some of the top free agents hitting the market this summer including both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. However, cap space is a big issue, requiring some roster moves if they team is going to offer anyone a max contract come July 1. One player not available for moving, Blake Griffin.
According to ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne, Griffin is not available regardless of the return offer. The forward has been told by head coach and team president Doc Rivers that he is simply "untouchable" in any potential trade deals this offseason no matter what. Griffin has seen his names tossed around in trade rumors in the past, mostly regarding the Clippers' pursuit of Anthony, but Rivers is denying the forward can be sent anywhere this offseason.
The Clippers want to acquire a star player, but they have some financial issues to work through before that can be possible. The team has $76 million committed to salaries for next season. If Darren Collison, Glen Davis and Danny Granger opt out of their contracts, the Clippers then only have $71.1 million dedicated next season. If Girffin is off the table then younger stars will be traded. DeAndre Jordan has one more year and $11.4 million on his contract. Jared Dudley has three years and $12.1 million left to his name. Matt Barnes has a contract with three years and $10.1 million left. Sixth Man of the Year, Jamal Crawford, has three years and $16.3 million left while JJ Redick has four years and $27.7 million remaining. All of those contracts are salary cap killers, so who gets traded?
The Clippers are hoping to land either James or Anthony in free agency. ESPN reported back in February that the Clippers were the frontrunners to land James should he opt out of his Miami Heat contract. James is friends with point guard Chris Paul. The two met in high school and have always discussed teaming up together one day. He also has plenty of respect for coach Rivers so the fit appears perfect.
However, the Clippers cannot afford James if they do not make a trade. Of the players available, Jordan could be the best move simply because he has just one year remaining on his contract and is one of the better big men in the league. That would leave the Clippers shorthanded on defense, but is getting James or Anthony enough to make up for that? Griffin is not going anywhere and neither is Paul, but if the Clippers want one more max contract on the pay roll, someone else is going to have to pack his bags.
