Injuries caused the Los Angeles Clippers to lose in the first round of the playoffs last year, but this team still has championship aspirations, and are looking to free agency to help them sure up some of their weaknesses. Here's all the latest Clippers news and rumors you need to know:
Clippers set recruiting pitch for Kevin Durant
Los Angeles was one of the six teams to secure a meeting with Durant once free agency begins on July 1, and according to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times, they've finalized their recruiting pitch to KD:
Durant is expected to meet with the Clippers in New York. Among those scheduled to be part of the Clippers’ contingent are team owner Steve Ballmer, Doc Rivers, coach and president of basketball operations, plus other basketball executives. No Clippers players were expected to attend the meeting, as of Monday, though that could change.
Durant is also meeting with the Thunder, Warriors, Spurs, Celtics and Heat.
Jamal Crawford latest
Crawford has been a crucial player for the Clippers over the past four seasons, but several teams are interested in signing the 36 year old this summer, reports the Orange County Register:
Crawford, who does have a meeting scheduled with the Clippers, is also drawing interest from a number of teams in search of a scoring guard. Crawford is expected to receive interest from the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat, the Toronto Raptors, the Dallas Mavericks, the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets in addition to the Clippers.
“I definitely have to keep an open mind and see what’s out there,” Crawford said. “That’s why you’re in this position. My preference, like I’ve said from the get go, is to go back to the Clippers. But, I’m definitely very, very open-minded about the whole free-agency process.
It doesn’t have to be a team that’s a contender. I don’t want to go to a team that’s only won a few amount of games, but it doesn’t have to be a contender. At the end of the day, only one team wins. You want to put yourself in the best position to try and win.”
Crawford averaged 14.2 points and 2.3 assists per game last season.
Paul Pierce still contemplating future
Pierce still hasn't committed to playing for the Clippers next season, and it appears that decision may not come for a while longer. According to Bolch, he won't make a decision on whether to retire or not for another week:
Paul Pierce remains undecided on whether to keep playing but expects to decide in a couple of weeks, according to someone close to him.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) June 28, 2016
Pierce averaged 6.1 points and 2.7 rebounds per game last season.
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