The Los Angeles Clippers are planning a huge coup for next summer, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
Doc Rivers' troops are holding their own in the Western Conference this season and sit fourth in the standings with a 17-10 record.
They've been playing some great basketball with no recognized superstar in their ranks. But, per Windhorst, they're keen on seeing that change next season.
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Windhorst claims that the Clippers have been scouting both Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant this season and are paying attention to their every move. Both stars will be free agents at the end of the campaign and Leonard, in particular, has been strongly linked with a move to Los Angeles. The Lakers aren't thought to be in his plans as he isn't looking to play alongside LeBron James; however, the City's other team is reported to be of great interest.
It's quite possible the Clippers land two big stars in the offseason as they have set themselves up to accommodate two max salaries next term. And it would be quite something if they could snatch both Leonard and Durant in the same summer.
"The Clippers, it seems, closely watch every Raptors and Warriors game this season. Even though they are having a terrific season of their own -- experiencing the rare joy of expectation-free success in the NBA -- the Clippers are rather transparently obsessed with chasing Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant in free agency next summer.
"It's clear from their books. They've cleared a path to open two max salary slots.
"It's clear through their actions. They've been treating the two like college recruits and sending executives just to watch numerous Warriors and Raptors games so they're visible.
"It's clear in their hiring. They've brought on NBA legend Jerry West and respected journalist Lee Jenkins to the front office in an effort to prepare a grand slam pitch when the time is right."
- Brian Windhorst, ESPN
What This Means
The Clippers wouldn't even need both Leonard and Durant to become contenders the way they're playing right now; just one would do.
Neither star has said anything to indicate that they're going to commit to their respective teams in free agency and it will likely be open season on their signatures following the NBA Finals.
The Clippers will definitely be in the mix, given their financial capacity. And, while it's quite possible they land both these superstars in the summer, it would still come as a huge shock if they did.
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