The Los Angeles Clippers might consider making a run at free agent point guard Kyle Lowry should Chris Paul bolt out to another team. Toronto Sun writer Ben Simmons provided his opinion on Lowry’s upcoming free agency and how Paul could dictate his destination next summer.
Clippers’ alternative route
Although the Raptors are still the favorites to re-sign their All-Star playmaker, reports are indicating that Lowry would also consider joining a Western Conference contender in the hope of escaping LeBron James’ dominance in the Eastern Conference.
The Toronto Raptors bolstered their lineup leading up to the playoffs, acquiring the services of Serge Ibaka and P.J Tucker to shore up their defense. However, that proved still not enough to topple LeBron and company as they went on to get swept by the Cavaliers in their second-round match-up.
After a series of playoff disappointments north of the border, Lowry could try his luck with the two perennial title contenders: the Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs. However, with the Spurs emerging as legit threat to sign Paul, Lowry might be an ideal plan B option for the Clips.
“Chris Paul is the point guard free agent everyone wants. Kyle Lowry is the Plan B if he is available. Should Paul go to San Antonio, I can see Lowry going to the Clippers if the Raptors don’t re-sign him?
And I can see Lowry with the Spurs if Paul doesn’t go there,” according to Simmons.
Finding Redick’s replacement
J.J Redick established himself as one of the premier shooters and floor spaces in the league in four seasons with the Clippers. The former Duke standout is projected to earn at least $18 million per year in his next contract after averaging 15.0 ppg on 44 percent FG shooting and 42 percent from the 3-point line.
Unfortunately, the Clippers may opt to let him walk away due to the impending free agency of Paul and Blake Griffin, so finding another player in the mold of Redick is a must for the organization.
According to Clipperholics blog writer Paul Tooke, Austin Rivers could step in as an ideal substitute to Redick in the starting lineup.
The 24-year old Rivers is coming off a semi-breakout year, as he averaged 12.0 points on 44 percent clip from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc. He’s not as efficient as Redick when it comes to knocking down the long ball, but he’s certainly a better playmaker and defender. Tooke understands that the Clippers won’t have the money to spend for another free agent wingman after locking up Paul and Griffin, so he’s pinning his hope on Rivers’ development next season.
