Uncommon Knowledge
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The Los Angeles Clippers have been very busy this offseason, building out a more well-rounded team to compete in the loaded Western Conference. After losing star forward Paul George to free agency over contract disputes, the Clippers have rebounded rather nicely. They retained star guard James Harden on a team-friendly contract while adding in more depth by signing forward Derrick Jones Jr., guard Kevin Porter Jr., forward Nicolas Batum, and reportedly guard Kris Dunn.
Read more: Paul George To Sign With 76ers On Blockbuster Free Agent Deal
Losing George wasn’t easy for the Clippers but it gave the organization the opportunity to move away from the three-star model of roster building. Under the new CBA that has gone into effect this year, having three-max-level players on the salary books vastly hampers how a team can build out a competitive roster. But it seems that the Clippers aren’t done trying to continue to add to the roster before the season starts.
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 29: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles by Santi Aldama #7 and Tyus Jones #21 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. The Clippers are showing some interest in landing Tyus Jones.
Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Clippers have shown interest in free agent guard Tyus Jones. Jones is still left on the open market and Los Angeles may be looking to upgrade at the point guard position.
“Tyus Jones, HoopsHype’s top free agent on the board, is continuing to receive interest as a sign-and-trade candidate from several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources told HoopsHype.”
In all likelihood, the Clippers would have to go with a sign-and-trade to land Jones but they have some contracts to make it happen. Los Angeles would need to send out some salaries to make it work but luckily for them, they have some players that the team has been looking to trade. Both veteran forward P.J. Tucker and Russell Westbrook have been on the trade block this summer. Tucker is scheduled to earn $11.5 million this season, making him an interesting expiring contract. Westbrook is scheduled to earn a little over $4 million on the year, giving the Clippers some flexibility to work with.
Read more: Western Conference Powerhouse Reportedly Eyeing Trade For Russell Westbrook
Jones would fit in well with the Clippers, giving them a nice presence off the bench. Last season with the Washington Wizards, Jones averaged 12.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. He also shot 41.4 percent from beyond the 3-point line for the year. Jones would help solidify the Clippers bench unit, creating more depth to the overall roster. While it remains to be seen what will happen with Jones, the interest from Los Angeles signifies that his market could be heating up rather quickly.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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