Doc Rivers isn’t just looking to keep the Los Angeles Clippers’ core intact. He apparently would like to add to it in a big way.
The Clippers are scheduled to meet with star free agent Kevin Durant on Friday, at which point they’re expected to pitch the idea of a “Big Four,” sources told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Arash Markazi.
The widespread assumption has been that the Clippers would need to trade one of their three stars — Chris Paul, Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan — to make room for Durant under the salary cap, but sources told ESPN that part of Los Angeles’ plan is to sell the longtime Oklahoma City Thunder cornerstone on the concept of playing alongside the talented trio.
Such a scenario would be complicated. The Clippers reportedly would have to renounce their rights to their free agents — Austin Rivers, Jeff Green and Jamal Crawford — and find a trade involving JJ Redick. Durant also would have to accept slightly less than a maximum salary this year, which might not be appealing to the seven-time All-Star given the other options available to him.
But still, it sounds like the Clippers are prepared to put on a full-court press for Durant. Team sources could not immediately confirm to ESPN that Paul, Griffin and Jordan would attend Friday’s meeting, which figures to be led by Rivers and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, but multiple team sources did tell the outlet there’s a distinct possibility all three players attend.
Thumbnail photo via Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports Images
