NBA Rumors: Austin Rivers and Wesley Johnson Becoming Free Agents in 2016-17 Season
The free agency market will kick off in July and players are already figuring out their next career moves in the offseason. Latest reports churned from NBA rumor mill suggest that LA Clippers' guard Austin River and forward Wesley Johnson have both confirmed not exercise their player option and test the NBA market as free agents instead. The question looming on everyone's mind is how the team will make up for their loss?
As reported by Los Angeles Times, Rivers declined his $3.3-million player option and instead head out to try the free agency market. His decision wasn't really surprising given the current surge of NBA salary cap that provides players the incentives to choose the team that would pay them well. Likewise, Johnson also decided not to exercise his $1.227 million player option for the next season which entitles him to jump board any team in summer.
Rivers demonstrated a good play and sparked off the bench for the Clippers under his father's helm, head coach Doc Rivers. His guard rotation works incredibly well with Chris Paul and fellow Clippers like JJ Redick, Johnson, Jamal Crawford, and Pablo Prigioni.
As per ESPN report, 28-year-old Johnson is likely to be offered with a minimum salary for NBA veterans at $1.22 million next season. The 23-year-old Rivers, on the other hand, is set to receive a higher offer amounting to $3.44 million because.
During the regular 2015-16 season, Rives posted an average record of 8.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists. In the final first-round playoff game against Portland Trailblazers, he unleashed a 21-point, eight-assist, and six-rebound record despite having stitches for cuts above and below his eye. Johnson's performance in his 80-game appearance in the regular season posted an average record of 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds. The Clippers' forward had a 40.4% shooting field and 33.3% three-point range percentages.
Meanwhile, Clippers top brass have already said a definite NO to the rumored trade talks involving Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan following the team's playoff campaign to reach the Western Conference and NBA finals, Hall of Fame reported. Early in the playoffs, Portland Trailblazers routed the team sending the Clippers home. With Paul and Griffin plagued with injuries, the top brass is mulling whether to retain the current roster or rebuild a new and stronger team for the next season's title run.
