The Los Angeles Clippers failed to make the NBA Playoffs, following back-to-back losses in the play-in tournament. With their season over, the team will turn its focus onto 2022-23, at which point they should hopefully be at full strength for most of the year. A full year of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George teaming up could once again make this Clippers squad a contender, and they could further buff the team by making some smart moves in the offseason.
It stands to reason to assume the Clippers will be in the market for a point guard. Reggie Jackson will still be under contract for one more year, but pushing him to a sixth-man or second unit role could be the best fit for the 32-year-old when the superstars come back. In addition to a point guard, adding a formidable presence in the paint would benefit the playstyles of George and Leonard. Ivica Zubac has developed into a solid piece, but the team could opt to decline his player option in pursuit of a more-proven talent in free agency.
If LA plays its cards right, they could walk out of the offseason with the makings of a championship roster, so they'll need to make sure they're bringing the right guys on board during free agency. With that in mind, here are a few early targets for the Clippers in 2022 NBA free agency.
Clippers free agency targets in 2022
3. Collin Sexton – PG, Cavaliers
The Cavaliers will have a decision to make regarding Sexton's future in Cleveland. With the emergence of Darius Garland as the clear-cut star, Sexton may find himself the odd man out and could be allowed to leave in restricted free agency. That would open up an interesting avenue for the Clippers to explore, getting the chance to bring a young, tenacious guard on board who is looking to prove himself. Sexton would instantly join up with a championship contender and could learn while playing alongside some proven veterans, while also developing his own game rapidly.
Across 60 games last year, Sexton averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. He shot 37.1% from 3-point range, hitting 1.6 per game. At 23, the Clippers could land a talented piece for the present and future if they make a move to poach him from the Cavs in restricted free agency.
2. Chris Boucher – PF/C, Raptors
Boucher could be an interesting choice for the Clippers. Bringing the former Oregon Duck on board would still leave room for Zubac to run the five, while getting another large body and capable sharpshooter to contribute on both ends of the floor. Boucher has transitioned to more of a power forward role this year, and with it his block numbers have reduced. But when primarily a center in 2020-21, Boucher averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 38.3% from 3-point range.
With his contract expiring in Toronto, the Clippers could well be intrigued by his tall stature combined with his ability to score at multiple levels. While he isn't exactly a workhorse, never playing more than 24.2 minutes per night in any given season, he could be a useful piece for the Clippers, is also a two-time NBA champion.
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1. Jusuf Nurkic – C, Blazers
Jusuf Nurkic figures to be one of the most tantalizing unrestricted free agents on the market this offseason. There's always a chance he re-signs with the Blazers, but if the Clippers come calling, he'd surely have to consider. Injuries have slowed him down the past few years, but when healthy, he's an extremely productive big man, capable of scoring at all three levels. This season across 56 games, Nurkic averaged 15 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He's not a great interior defender, but he's a proven rebounder capable of pulling down boards against the toughest of foes.
There will certainly be competition for Nurkic this offseason, and the move to acquire him would only truly make sense if the Clippers walked away from Zubac, but adding the 27-year-old to the mix could significantly boost the team ahead of their push for an NBA championship.
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