NBA free agency, trade rumors 2017: LA Clippers have become stagnant; Austin Rivers is what the Knicks need

Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) guards Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) in the first half of game 5 Reuters/Jayne Kamin-Oncea

The Los Angeles Clippers need a refresh in their lineup since they have become stagnant in the NBA. Meanwhile, Austin Rivers just might be the player that the New York Knicks need.

The LA Clippers have a record of maintaining an average of 50 wins for the past five years in the basketball season. However, the team has become stagnant in the ranks, and one of the reasons might be because of player injuries. The Clippers are perceived to have maximized their potential in the NBA league and need to have a refresh in their team lineup.

Reports say the Clippers should no longer re-sign Chris Paul. His $24.268 million contract will end this coming June, which gives the player enough time to negotiate for another five years on the team. However, fans of the team believe that the Clippers should already replace Paul.

But the Clippers still have a cap commitment to Paul, along with Blake Griffin and J.J. Redick. Even if the Clippers cut off commitments to Paul and Redick, the team will not have enough space to take on an elite point guard that will accept a low offer.

If the team goes against public opinion of cutting Paul, and discard Griffin and Redick instead, it gives them much more space to have a new player on their team.

Meanwhile, Austin Rivers might be the player that the New York Knicks need.

The Knicks had already wooed Rivers as their free agent in July last year. According to the New York Post, Rivers is efficient on three different positions. He can also be the player that will be the foundation of defense, which is something that the Knicks really need to improve on.

At the same time, the New York Knicks appear to be aiming for younger players, which might lead the team to discard commitments with 37-year-old Jamal Crawford and 32-year-old Redick.

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