The Los Angeles Clippers will face some big decisions this offseason. Here are three players who will likely not be back.
The Los Angeles Clippers entered the 2022-23 season with championship aspirations, once again, and it was warranted. Since joining forces in 2019, their superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have struggled to stay on the court. However, the Clippers have a record of 83-35 with both Leonard and George in the lineup. That winning percentage would have given them the best record in the Western Conference this season.
Well, the Clippers suffered a first-round exit with Leonard and George on the sidelines. Frustration is understandable, but moving either star is unwise. Both Leonard and George are still at the top of their respective games, and potential trade partners could be apprehensive to give up a large haul for an injury-prone star. As a result, a potential deal would likely result in the Clippers taking pennies on the dollar and worsening their title odds.
If Leonard and George are both healthy, the Clippers are still a legitimate title contender. Yes, that is a big if, but few other teams can boast that ceiling.
Nevertheless, I do not expect the front office to bring back an identical roster. Let's take a look at three players who will likely not be back.
Clippers who won't be back next season: 3. Eric Gordon
This is not about the player. It's about the contract.
Gordon has one year left on his deal. It is worth approximately $20.9 million, but it does not become guaranteed until June 28.
There are two potential options for the Clippers. With a stricter CBA incoming, they could cut Gordon, save $20.9 million, and reduce luxury cap penalties. On the other hand, they could use the contract as a potential trade chip. In 2022, the front office traded Eric Bledsoe's nonguaranteed contract to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the Norman Powell-Robert Covington deal. Gordon's contract is ideal for any team looking to free up cap space this summer.
On the court, Gordon is a solid role player. With the Clippers, he shot 42.3 percent from 3. Regardless, there are too many variables to pencil him in on next season's roster.
Clippers who won't be back next season: 2. Amir Coffey
Before Robert Covington, there was Amir Coffey. He was the wing, who was obviously talented but was almost always out of the rotation. In 2020-21, Coffey shot 40.1 from 3 and was a capable perimeter defender. However, he played in only 44 games, averaging a meager 9.0 minutes.
Due to a plethora of injuries, Coffey actually got real minutes during the 2021-22 season, and he capitalized on his opportunities. He averaged a career-high 9.0 points, while shooting 37.8 percent from 3 and converting on 54.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. He scored 20+ points in seven individual games, including a 35-point performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Last season, Coffey was stuck behind Leonard, George, Gordon, Covington, Nicolas Batum, Norman Powell, and Marcus Morris Sr. in the rotation. Barring unforeseen moves, he has no clear path to playing time.
He has two years, $7.6 million remaining on his contract. With a stricter CBA incoming and no clear role, he is a clear trade candidate.
Clippers who won't be back next season: 1. Marcus Morris Sr.
Marcus Morris Sr. has become a controversial figure within the Clippers' fanbase, and most of it is outside his control. Head coach Ty Lue has one of the deepest benches in the league at his disposal. As I previously mentioned, Robert Covington and Amir Coffey are both good NBA players, and they cannot even receive consistent minutes due to the roster's depth.
Morris has been an important player for the franchise over the last few years. He was a starter during the Western Conference Finals run in 2021, and at times, he has stepped in as a primary scorer with Leonard and George sidelined.
However, Morris went through a shooting slump after the All-Star break. He shot only 23.5 percent from deep, which is a far cry from his 37.6 career 3-point percentage.
Nevertheless, Lue continued to play him, while Covington and Coffey remained on the bench. It remains one of the most confusing coaching decisions of the season. What is the point of having versatile lineup options if you do not take advantage of them?
With an abundance of wing options, Morris makes sense as a trade piece. Furthermore, he is on an expiring deal worth $17.1 million.
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