The Los Angeles Clippers were one of the teams reportedly in pursuit of Ray Allen this offseason. They were considered as the biggest threat for the LeBron James led Cleveland Cavaliers in acquiring the best three point shooter in NBA history due to head coach Doc River's special relationship with Allen in their time with the Boston Celtics. And when the Clippers waived the non-guaranteed contracts of Carlos Delfino and Miroslav Raduljica, freeing up $3.5 million in salary cap space, rumors were spreading that the move was intended to make room for a Ray Allen - Doc Rivers reunion in Los Angeles. It wasn't the case, however, as the Clippers have just made some free agent moves and signings this summer and none of them had Allen in their last name.
The Clippers most recent signing included Ekpe Udoh and wingman Chris-Douglas Roberts - both for one year veteran's minimum deals per ESPN Los Angeles. The signings made sense as Udoh would fortify a glaring weakness in the team which is interior defense. Aside from DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers front court do not have shot blocking, defensive minded bigs and Udoh will provide the team just that. Roberts, on the other hand, will add some offensive and defensive versatility in the wing.
After waiving Delfino and Raduljica's contracts, the Clippers had 11 players under contract for next season. The addition of Udoh and Roberts means that the team now has 13 players on the books and have 2 spots left before they are set for next season. The Clippers are also on the verge of re-signing forward Hedo Turkoglu and Dan Feldman of ProBasketballTalk reports that the team is looking at signing DeAndre Liggins before the season starts.
Free agent DeAndre Liggins will sign a camp deal with the Clippers, league source tells RealGM. Liggins has played for Magic, Thunder, Heat. Per Shams Charania
If both Turkoglu and Liggins are signed, it will put L.A. at the maximum of 15 players with guaranteed contracts for next season which means that there is no more roster spot left for signing Ray Allen.
The Clippers wanted Ray Allen this offseason but the veteran shooter and two-time champion is reportedly not rushing his decision about his future. No one knows whether Allen wants to retire or play for another year and if he does decide to play the Clippers are not certain whether or not he want's to play with them. They cant wait for Allen forever and if he still has no answer with training camp drawing near, then look for the Clippers to take a shot on Liggins for the final roster spot.
And besides, they can always try and contact Ray Allen, who is known for his strict conditioning regime, again late in the season before the start of the playoffs.
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