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The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to be frontrunners to sign Tyronn Lue as their new head coach, considering they currently have him in their payroll as a deputy. But according to Dan Feldman of NBC Sports, the Clippers brass might have to shell out some big bucks in order to outbid another team who has the hots for Lue — the New Orleans Pelicans.
“New Orleans also has an appealing job. But the Clippers are far closer to championship contention. And if both teams want Lue, I bet Clippers owner Steve Ballmer would outspend Pelicans owner Gayle Benson,” he said.
Following the Clips' shocking firing of former head coach Doc Rivers after seven seasons, the Steve Balmer-owned franchise is expected to promote Lue and give the one-time NBA champion coach another shot of calling the shots. Lue, after all, already knows the team's current personnel and emerged as Rivers' top assistant this year after initially coming aboard on an unspecified role.
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The Pelicans, however, are expected to give the Clippers one hell of a fight for Lue in a bid to fill their head coaching vacancy. They are already lining up to interview Lue to possibly take over the position previously held by Alvin Gentry. Apart from LA and NOLA, Lue is also strongly being linked to the Houston Rockets.
The Clippers, meanwhile, definitely needs a major shake-up following that disastrous playoff campaign that bitterly ended in a second-round playoff exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. The decision might solely land on what type of team Lue prefers to coach next season. He'll have a star-studded roster who will be ready to contend next season if he stays with the Clips. However, rumors of dysfunction among its stars might be too hot to handle for the former NBA point guard.
On the other hand, Lue will have an opportunity to mentor one of the best promising young cores in the league if he elects to go with the Pelicans.
