Biggest need Clippers must address in 2024 NBA offseason

The Clippers are badly in need of some bench depth, as the team fights to get to an NBA Finals. The Clippers had depth this season, in veteran Russell Westbrook among others. It didn’t work out well for the team, however, as Westbrook was reportedly not happy in a supporting role and not a starting spot.

This offseason is proving to be difficult for the team. While Westbrook has stated publicly that he wants to continue helping the team, there appears to be tension behind the scenes. The team is likely going to find a way to move him, if they can get a good trade proposal going. Los Angeles is loaded with veterans, as James Harden and Paul George are also on the roster. Harden and George have murky futures with the team, per ESPN. George has a player option for next season, and can become a free agent if the stars align. Harden will be an unrestricted free agent, who will surely be courted by several other teams. While it would be advantageous to keep Harden, the Clippers may not be able to afford to pay him what he wants.

It’s possible that the team can lose both players, which would severely hurt its depth. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard would need immediate help to complement him, and the team must find those players this offseason.

Clippers’ free-agent options

Los Angeles does have some options in the free-agent market, should they decide to move on from some of their veterans. Some names being batted around for Los Angeles include De’Anthony Melton, Caleb Martin, and Derrick Jones Jr., per LAX Sports Nation. Teams may start negotiations with free-agents on June 30, according to the NBA.

An area of play where the Clippers need help is in rebounding. Los Angeles finished the regular season 19th in rebounding among NBA teams, per league stats. The Clippers averaged only 43 rebounds a game, and it will be beneficial for the team to build depth in that area. There are several strong rebounders coming available in free agency, that could give the team a spark. This includes the New York Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein, who is getting nearly 8 boards a game this postseason for New York. Another free-agent who is a solid rebounder is Nicolas Claxton, from the Brooklyn Nets. Claxton averaged just under 10 rebounds a game this season for Brooklyn. He had three double-figure rebounding games in the team’s last five contests. He is an unrestricted free agent, and Los Angeles should be in play for him.

The Clippers don’t have a first-round pick in this year’s NBA Draft, which make things even more complicated. Los Angeles could surely trade to move up in the draft, if they wish. At time of writing, Los Angeles has one second-round pick and that is it. It comes as the 46th overall selection.

Clippers fans are hoping the team’s front office can land some solid players this offseason. Fans have been waiting a very long time for an NBA Championship, and they will have to wait at least a little longer. The franchise is still looking for its first title.