The Clippers currently hold their mid-level exception, as well as a traded player exception worth between $7-8M. Clipperblog spoke to a source inside the Clippers organization who offered the following:
- The Clippers are in no hurry to use their trade exception. They feel that the exception will only increase in value between now and the trade deadline. “If there’s a great value out there this summer, that’s one thing,” said the source. “But there’s a much better chance of our picking up a very good piece down the road closer to the trading deadline, as teams get squeezed by the tax, or fall out of [playoff contention].”
- The team likes the progress Mike Taylor is making, but wants to find a prototypical point guard this offseason to backup Baron Davis, considering Baron’s injury history. “We’re really happy with Mike as a third guy right now,” the source said. “He’s doing all the right things, but it’s not something we’re ready to hang our hat on yet.”
- The Clippers recognize that depth on the perimeter remains their most pressing issue, particularly defensively. They see Mardy Collins as a versatile utility man who does nothing exceptionally, but a lot of different things fairly well. Q is regarded as a guy who can play the 2 or 3, and Ricky Davis as a big question mark because of the tendinitis in his knee. If the Clippers make a splash — an unlikely event — it will probably be at the 3.
- What about the Clippers’ MLE? The Clippers are putting out feelers, but are cautious. “Everyone has an inflated opinion of their value right now,” the source said, alluding to Shawn Marion’s rejection of a multi-year deal worth $8M/per from Toronto. The Clippers see the MLE as an opportunity to maneuver within the confines of the cap, but not as an excuse to pay a $3M player almost $6M/per. “If there’s someone who makes sense and is a value, sure. But right now, the market is unsettled.”
