Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Fred VanVleet may be the most talented player the Clippers have been linked to. They are interested in adding a traditional lead point guard and VanVleet is one of the best available after striking out on Kyrie Irving. He’s expected to decline his $22.8 million player option for next season for a significant raise which the Clippers could accommodate.
The Clippers should have enough assets to acquire VanVleet. But after stealing Kawhi Leonard from the Raptors four years ago, it’s possible they’ll attempt to squeeze the Clippers for every asset they have. Would a package featuring all of Terance Mann, Ivica Zubac, Luke Kennard, Brandon Boston, and one first-round pick be too much? What if they also require the Clippers to take back salaries like Otto Porter Jr. and Khem Birch on top of that? If the Clippers truly want VanVleet, they may have to pay a steep price since they wouldn’t be able to sign him in free agency.
