Rashad Vaughn is one of the hottest names on the market
When the Clippers hired a new general manager late last week, one thing was for certain; change was inevitable and likely to happen sooner rather than later. Less than a week on the job, Dylan seems to already be planning the route his team will be taking in the future.
Reports say that the Clippers have entered trade talks with numerous teams involving some of their key players from a season ago. Two of the hottest names, James Young and Rashad Vaughn, seem to be at the center of those talks. Both established quality wings in the CSL, it would make sense that a number of CSL teams would be interested in these two. Who the Clippers decide to deal and when, however, is the much more interesting topic.
Young, 27, is the better and more versatile of the two. A quality two-way player who score 18.1 points per game last season despite starting only four games, is also a strong defensive player. The former University of Kentucky guard is entering the last year of his contract at nearly $15 million, and could be in line for a monster payday this offseason.
On the other hand, Vaughn is entering his 5th season in the league and is still just 22-years-old. A great, high volume three point shooter and capable slasher, Vaughn is as good if not better than Young offensively, but doesn't exactly bring the same tenacity defensively. Still, at such a young age, and under contract for four more years at a reasonable price, Vaughn could be a long-term piece on either ra rebuilding or contending squad.
Coming off a poor season in Los Angeles, with very few draft picks at their disposal, the Clippers are in a tough position moving forward. Do they stick with the talented group of players they have now, including these two wings? Or do they try to move pieces one by one in hopes of accruing assets from dealing them away?
While time will tell what the Clippers will do with Vaughn and Young, there has been little doubt on the team's intentions with veterans Greg Monroe and Moe Harkless - departures are inevitable.
Veteran center Greg Monroe is coming off a monster season
The Clippers have made it known in trade talks that Monroe and Harkless are the first two pieces they wish to move. Monroe, the 33-year-old, coming off a monster season, has made it known to management that he prefers to be elsewhere next season. The veteran's intentions are to compete for a championship and it's clear that won't be happening in Los Angeles next season. Monroe is entering the final year of his contract and will make north of $21 million.
Harkless, a 29-year-old forward, has established himself in the CSL as a great defensive wing. He, like Monroe, prefers to be moved to a competitive situation and has two years left with a team option for $11.7 million next season. It's likely that Harkless is the first to be moved, and that could happen as soon as the middle of this week.
Not everyone is up for grabs in Los Angeles, however, as reports say the team has told rival executives that they plan on keeping young guard D'Angelo Russell in town. Russell is on the final year of his rookie contract, and I'm told the Clippers have no problems paying him long-term.
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