The Los Angeles Clippers appear to want to upgrade at small forward. Reports indicate the Clippers are eying LeBron James, Paul Pierce, Luol Deng and Trevor Ariza in free agency.
While the Clippers are interested in Carmelo Anthony and James, they appear to be looking for a more realistic option to upgrade their 3-spot.
ESPN reported the Clippers have contacted Deng, along with several other forwards, and believe they can convince Pierce to re-sign with his former coach, Doc Rivers.
"Clippers also have interest in Paul Pierce and Spencer Hawes (and) retaining their own (free agents), (Darren) Collison, (Danny) Granger, Glen Davis," ESPN's Ramona Shelburne tweeted Monday night. "... The Clippers continue to have interest in LeBron and Melo, according to sources. Placed calls to Deng, Collison and Trevor Ariza."
ESPN's Brian Windhorst also reported the Clippers contacted Deng, and ESPN's Marc Stein confirmed the Clippers believe they can lure Pierce away from the Brooklyn Nets.
Although James appears to be a long shot, Grantland's Bill Simmons believes the Clippers are actually in the best position to land the four-time league MVP.
"FYI: it's easy for Clips to make a LeBron run. Trade DeAndre (Jordan) + Jamal (Crawford) to teams with cap space (easy), then use 1st rounder to dump (Jared) Dudley (salary)," Simmons tweeted on June 17. "Also - if you don't think the Clips are exploring that game plan, you are nuts. Clips, Cavs + Rockets are LeBron's suitors if he gets antsy."
Multiple news outlets, including ESPN and Yahoo Sports, reported James is seeking a max-level contract.
While seven teams can offer James a maximum contract, he reportedly is giving Heat president Pat Riley time to improve Miami's roster before making a decision. ESPN reported teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Both, both of who opted out of their contracts, are willing to take substantial pay cuts - $12 million and $11 million, respectively - in order to facilitate a bigger pay day for James.
Deals cannot be signed until July 10.
