The Los Angeles Clippers have a one big hole to fill while another is potentially being created. Following the loss of DeAndre Jordan, the franchise immediately began searching for his replacement. Meanwhile, as the Clippers try and find their new defensive star, several teams are eyeing trade deals for Jamal Crawford which could leave them empty handed once again.
The Clippers first task is trying to find a big man to help fill the shoes left by Jordan. According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Doc Rivers has already reached out to Carlos Boozer who is a free agent after a quiet season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Boozer is likely not a starter any more for the team and would play behind Blake Griffin and potentially Glen Davis depending on the lineup. The Clippers are also looking at Amare Stoudemire who had an even quieter year Boozer did. Stoudemire fell off the map once he was sent to the Dallas Mavericks following his stint with the New York Knicks. He would also be projected as a bench player.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Clippers are discussing a trade of Crawford to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Brendan Haywood and his non-guaranteed contract. Crawford excelled as the Sixth Man, but Los Angeles likes the idea of getting the contract of Haywood and having the ability to flip him for another asset. As a result, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN is reporting the Clippers are eyeing Josh Smith with a contract.
Interest in Smith has been quiet this offseason. Many expected the Houston Rockets to re-sign him, but now the Clippers are emerging as a contender for the shooting guard. The Clippers are very familiar with Smith's skill set since he was responsible for simply dismantling the team in the playoffs. Los Angeles cannot offer Smith the bigger contract he is expected to be searching for, but they do give him a good playing opportunity.
Head coach Doc Rivers is playing catchup mode at the moment. After inking Paul Pierce to a contract, the Clippers thought they were a favorable destination for free agents. However, drama between Jordan and Chris Paul caused the center to depart for Dallas which left a big hole for Los Angeles. Would Smith and Boozer be enough to fill it?
