The Los Angeles Clippers have made some big roster changes this summer, and it seems like they aren't done yet. After finishing fourth in the Western Conference standings last season with a solid 51-31 record, the Clippers' season ended disappointingly in the first round of the playoffs. They lost to the Utah Jazz in the opening round of the postseason, and it seemed inevitable that changes would be made in the offseason. That is exactly what happened, as the Clippers traded their All-Star point guard Chris Paul. Paul was sent to the Rockets in exchange for Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams and Sam Dekker, and the Clippers also acquired Danillo Gallinari via free agency.
Just a couple of days ago, Doc Rivers' squad acquired another solid, young player.
Plumlee headed to Los Angeles
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Clippers have signed Marshall Plumlee on a partially guaranteed deal. Specific details of Plumlee's contract, such as salary and length, have yet to be revealed. Plumlee played four years of college basketball at Duke University, before joining the New York Knicks as an undrafted free-agent in 2016. He played 21 games for the Knicks last season, and averaged 1.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game on 55 percent shooting. He became a free-agent this summer as the Knicks decided to waive him. Plumlee is a seven-footer, with solid low post and rebounding skills.
The Clippers will welcome his presence next season as it was clear in last season's playoffs that they need more depth on the center position. The 25-year-old Plumlee will come off the bench for them next season and play behind DeAndre Jordan and Montrezl Harrell at center. It will not come as a surprise if he sees playing time with the Clippers' G-League affiliate as well.
The Hawks sign Quinn Cook
Quinn Cook is the newest member of the Atlanta Hawks. Shams Charania of The Vertical was the first to report the news, as he reported that Cook signed a partially guaranteed, two-year deal with the Hawks. Financial details of the contract are still unknown. Cook is a 6-foot-2 point guard that will likely compete with Malcom Delaney next season for the primary backup spot at the point guard position.
The 24-year-old Cook played college basketball at Duke, and last season he played nine games for the Pelicans and five games for the Dallas Mavericks. He holds career averages of 5.6 points and 1.9 assists per game on 50 percent shooting from the field.