Los Angeles Clippers Needs Heading Into the 2021 NBA Draft and Free Agency

With the NBA Finals officially over, next on the schedule will be the 2021 NBA Draft. The Los Angeles Clippers are the team that could see the most dramatic changes to their roster for next year. Who will stay and who will the Clippers seek to replace in free agency and/or the draft?

The following is a complete look at the Los Angeles Clippers needs, as we approach the 2021 NBA Draft and Free Agency.

Los Angeles Clippers Needs Heading Into the Offseason

Los Angeles Clippers Free Agents

Here is a list of the players who are upcoming Los Angeles Clippers free agents that will either need to be re-signed or replaced.

• Reggie Jackson, PG
• Nicholas Batum, SG/SF
• Kawhi Leonard, SF (Player-Option)
• Amir Coffey, SF (RFA)
• Patrick Patterson, PF
• Serge Ibaka, PF/C (Player-Option)
• DeMarcus Cousins, C

The Los Angeles Clippers are at risk of losing depth, star power, or possibly even both, this offseason. The biggest question mark surrounding the team is whether or not Kawhi Leonard will return in 2021-22, after undergoing surgery to fix an ACL tear. Reggie Jackson will likely command a lot of money on the open market. Serge Ibaka is 32 years old, so he may decide he wants one big final payday before it’s too late.

While Nicholas Batum, DeMarcus Cousins and Patrick Patterson are not the best players out there, they did provide a lot of depth and veteran experience. Their experience was a big reason the Los Angeles Clippers saw playoff success, despite the Kawhi Leonard injury.

Possible Clippers free agent targets could include Tim Hardaway Jr., Patty Mills and James Johnson.

Los Angeles Clippers 2021 NBA Draft Picks

First round, 25th Overall

Los Angeles Clippers Draft Targets

Jaden Springer

Jaden Springer is not necessarily a specialist at any one thing. However, he does have a solid jump shot, decision making and ability to get to the rim. The best attribute of Springer is his competitive drive and defensive tenacity. Springer will make a name for himself by making “winning plays,” and playing alongside Patrick Beverley would only help him at this facet of the game. The latest Bleacher Report mock draft by Jonathan Wasserman has Springer currently projected to be drafted by the Clippers at No. 25 overall.

Ziaire Williams

Ziaire Williams has the potential to fill a similar two-way role that the Clippers will be missing with Kawhi. Williams is in no way on Kawhi’s level yet, but he could play valuable minutes alongside Paul George, who will have his hands full carrying more of the offense. He has a long wing-span and his defensive abilities would allow him to easily fit-in this starting lineup.