The Los Angeles Clippers have officially completed their two biggest offseason priorities. The team signed Doc Rivers to be the new head coach agreed with point guard Chris Paul on a giant extension. However, the team is far from done making moves to improve the roster and be a true competitor in the Western Conference. As the team looks at the remaining roster, they are setting their sights on a few other free agents, the first being O.J. Mayo.
Looking at the Clippers roster, Chauncey Billups is way past his prime as a player. Caron Butler is limited at what he can do. Willie Green's skill set is limited. They need another shooter to place next to Jamal Crawford and Chris Paul. The Clippers have attempted to get Arron Afflalo from the Orlando Magic to fill that role, but trade talks involving Eric Bledsoe broke off, ending that option. Yahoo! Sports reports that the Clippers reached out the Mayo on Sunday night.
The Clippers have salary cap restrictions that may hinder their ability to get Mayo. The team is considering a sign-and-trade option involving Bledsoe going to the Dallas Mavericks. Rick Carlisle has been looking for a new point guard and the Clippers want a wing player, so the trade is a win-win for both teams.
Mayo could be a hit or miss for the Clippers. He has struggled with consistency over the years. At 25, he is still young talent, having averaged 15.3 points per game last season while shooting a career-high 40.7 percent from 3-point range. He disappointed the Mavericks in effort, leading the team to opt at not re-signing him. Getting Mayo in return for Bledsoe is not the greatest trade in value for the Clippers and the Mavericks cannot offer up much more since they cleared out multiple assets to try and sign Dwight Howard.
The Clippers are not the only team to consider Mayo. The Timberwolves have also met with the free agent. The two parties met on Sunday night to discuss a possible deal. The Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz are also in pursuit of Mayo.
Andrei Kirilenko could also be an option, but the Minnesota star told a Russion website, Sports Express, that is aiming to remain in Minnesota for a long time and is seeking a long-term contract. The Clippers will continue to seek out a Bledsoe trade throughout the offseason. Eventually someone will bite.
