Clippers reportedly eyeing potential addition of key guard

The Los Angeles Clippers continue to search for a championship. 

Steve Ballmer has funded a roster littered with future Hall of Fame talent. James Harden is expected to re-sign with the franchise during the summer. Paul George could also choose to remain in Los Angeles. 

However, the Clippers must continue improving. 

According to Marc Stein, the Clippers could be interested in adding Chris Paul in free agency. Nevertheless, there are some caveats. 

For Paul, the Golden State Warriors would need to waive him. More importantly, Ty Lue's team would only need a new ball-handler if Russell Westbrook decided to jump ship in the offseason.

"The Clippers, I'm told, should be added to the list of teams that could emerge as a suitor for potential free agent Chris Paul," Stein reported. "Caveats are immediately required in this situation, since Paul might not even make it to free agency if the Warriors decide next month to keep him or trade him to a team that wants to keep him. A further variable to factor in stemming from Russell Westbrook's still-to-be determined status. Westbrook has a $4 million player option for next season that he must decide on by June 29."

Golden State is unlikely to retain Paul. Joe Lacob has previously discussed his desire to get his team under the salary cap, and Paul's $30M salary would need to be sacrificed in order for the franchise to achieve that goal. 

Fortunately for the Warriors, the upcoming year on his deal is non-guaranteed. 

If Westbrook decides to explore the free agency market in the hope of finding a starting role elsewhere around the league, Paul could be a logical addition to the Clippers. 

His age wouldn't be a problem, as he would be joining a roster full of older, veteran talent. His playmaking off the bench would help unlock the second unit and keep the ball moving when James Harden is off the floor. 

Furthermore, Paul's commitment to defense would be perfect for Lue's coaching style and the system he wants to implement with his team. Nevertheless, as Stein noted, multiple dominoes have to fall for a potential team-up to occur. 

However, if everything works out, Paul joining the Clippers would be a logical move for both sides.