With the trade deadline fast approaching, many people expected the Los Angeles Clippers to sell off their expiring contracts for future assets. To the surprise of many people, the Clippers did the exact opposite with Lou Williams. The extension is for a three-year, $24 million contract. The third year does have a partial guarantee of only $1.5 million.
This deal makes sense for Lou Williams because he finally has found some stability in the league. He feels comfortable with the organization, has salary security, and is the focal point of an offense. Williams also avoids the uncertainty of a crowded 2018 free agent class.
For the Clippers, they now have some sort of building block going forward. They should not build around Williams, but he does provide them with instant offense while they find a point guard for the future. Lou Williams, Danilo Gallinari, and Tobias Harris are enough to keep management’s hopes of rebuilding on the fly alive, and leaves them for contention of the 7-8 seeds.
The Clippers are still reportedly shopping Avery Bradley and DeAndre Jordan for the right price. With the recent turmoil in Cleveland, they might get jumpy for either player to bring some defense to a squad who have abandoned it.
NBA Source Today 