3 early Clippers NBA free agency targets in 2024 offseason

This particular free agency list might be underwhelming for the Clippers’ fans, but they must realize that assuming George opts in to the player option, Los Angeles does not have a lot of cap space on their books. De’Anthony Melton would be a fantastic option for their squad because his value is low at the moment because of injuries that plagued him in the 2023-24 season.

Despite being sidelined, Melton has proven to flourish as an ancillary piece alongside superstars like George, Harden, and Kawhi Leonard. He is a terrific catch-and-shoot marksman, and he is more than willing to defend the best scorer of the opposing team. At a lower value due to his underwhelming season, the Clippers have a realistic chance of swooping in and signing Melton as an excellent complementary guy.

Caleb Martin

Caleb Martin is another stocky forward who can be an upgrade in the role of P.J. Tucker and Amir Coffey. There have been murmurs that Martin will not be re-signed by the Miami Heat, so the Clippers must be adamant about signing him to a short-term contract.

Since Leonard continuously gets injured, having Martin is a spectacular option because he can do the dirty work along with having a complementing style to their core guys.

It will unlikely cost the Clippers more than the mid-level exception, and Martin’s contributions will be valuable to their success next year. Los Angeles already has proven scorers off the bench like Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell, but they lack the role players that can elevate their production at critical junctures. Martin has a track record of showing up in the Eastern Conference Finals, so the Clippers must be aggressive in getting him.

Derrick Jones Jr.

Similar to the style and approach of Melton and Martin, Derrick Jones Jr. is another superb signing that will thrive in the system of Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue. Even if he does not touch the ball for a multitude of possessions, the energy and relentless is never lacking in the body of Jones Jr. As a wonderful high-flyer, he will be the recipient of a slew of lob passes from Harden and Westbrook.

Jones Jr.’s contributions offensively have improved as his corner threes have been a huge asset to the Dallas Mavericks this season. Moreover, his main strength that will be utilized with the Clippers is his sensational length and defensive prowess.

The Clippers need free agents who are capable of fitting in with their stars as they continuously try to find the recipe for advancing in the rigorous Western Conference.