The L.A. Clippers started free agency off with a successful bang, coming to an agreement with their seven-year forward Blake Griffin. Following the loss of guard Chris Paul in a trade to the Houston Rockets, the Clippers priority quickly shifted over to Griffin, who agreed to the deal after setting up meetings with the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics.
With Griffin now signed on for five more seasons, the Clippers move on to other important matters in free agency as they look to address their hole at the small forward slot. According to Brad Turner of the L.A. Times, the team has meetings with Jonathan Simmons and Joe Ingles this weekend, as well as a meeting with Danilo Gallinari on Sunday.
Clippers to meet with Danilo Gallinari Sunday, also with Joe Ingles and Jonathan Simmons this weekend, per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 1, 2017
The Clippers' starting small forward Luc Mbah a Moute opted out of the second year in his contract to become an unrestricted free agent. For years, the small forward position has been one of the weakest positions for the Clippers, who failed to make a Western Conference appearance in the last six great years in their franchise.
Gallinari played with the Denver Nuggets last season, producing 18.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists. Former Utah Jazz forward Ingles, who was on the Clippers training camp roster a few years ago before they opted to keep guard Jared Cunningham to maining point guard depth, averaged 7.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The San Antonio Spurs‘ Simmons averaged 6.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, but showed promise when he stepped into a leadership role this postseason once Kawhi Leonard went down with a severe ankle sprain against the Warriors.
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