After a big offseason in 2019, the LA Clippers find themselves at a critical juncture.
The first season of the pairing of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George ended in disappointment, as the Clippers fell in the West Semis after building a 3-1 series lead. Though Leonard and George are two of nine players under contract this upcoming season, they each could opt-out and test free agency in 2021.
Among the players not under contract this upcoming season are Marcus Morris Sr. and Montrezl Harrell, two players that played key roles in LA's success, while JaMychal Green could opt-out and test free agency as well.
With high expectations for the 2020-21 season, LA will look to make key moves to put them over the top as title contenders. How much flexibility will they have to do so? Here's a breakdown of what the Clippers have to work with once free agency begins on a date yet to be determined.
The salary figures below are from ESPN, which are based on the salary cap being the same next season as it was this season. There's a chance the figures will be higher or lower depending on what the salary cap is set at for 2020-21.
Guaranteed salaries
| Name | 2020-21 cap hold (ESPN) |
| Paul George | $35,450,412 |
| Kawhi Leonard | $34,379,100 |
| Patrick Beverley | $13,333,333 |
| Lou Williams | $8,000,000 |
| Ivica Zubac | $7,000,000 |
| Rodney McGruder | $5,192,307 |
| Mfiondu Kabengele | $2,075,880 |
| Landry Shamet | $2,090,040 |
| Terance Mann | $1,517,981 |
Player options
| Name | 2020-21 cap hold (ESPN) |
| JaMychal Green | $5,005,350 |
According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Green has until the day before free agency begins to opt into his contract. That date, however, is currently unknown.
Should Green opt-out, Marks adds that the Clippers can exceed the salary cap to bring him back.
Team options
The Clippers have no team options for next season.
Unrestricted free agents
| Name | 2020-21 cap hold (ESPN) |
| Marcus Morris Sr. | $18,000,000 |
| Montrezl Harrell | $11,400,000 |
| Patrick Patterson | $1,707,576 |
| Reggie Jackson | $1,707,576 |
Restricted free agents
| Name | 2020-21 cap hold (ESPN) |
| Jonathan Motley | $1,523,320 |
Non-guaranteed
- Joakim Noah
If his contract is guaranteed, the 35-year-old Noah will be on the books for $2,692,991 for next season. According to Marks, Noah's salary becomes protected if he is not waived by the first regular-season game.
Exceptions
Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Clippers will have the tax midlevel exception, which, is worth $5.7 million in the case both Morris and Harrell return.
LA also has $3.6 million and $1.5 million trade exceptions.
Cap space
Ahead of free agency, the Clippers are above the salary cap because of their cap holds.
Should Morris and Harrell elect to move on and Green opt-out of the final year of his contract, the Clippers would be right around the current salary cap of $109.1 million. With limited room to make moves and key players testing the free-agent market, LA doesn't have much flexibility to bring in free agents outside of the aforementioned exceptions.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its clubs.
