5 free agents the LA Clippers should target in the 2021 NBA offseason

#3 Kelly Olynyk

Houston Rockets big man Kelly Olynyk

One rogue option the LA Clippers could pursue in a sign-and-trade would be Kelly Olynyk. A stretch big would provide backup to Ivica Zubac or could play at power forward. Since moving to the Houston Rockets midseason, Olynyk has been electric, averaging 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds across 27 games.

Granted, that was a small sample size, but Olynyk's efficiency metrics are extremely promising. He also has playoff experience as an option off the bench for both the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat in deep postseason runs. He could be an intriguing choice for the Clippers if they are looking to bolster their frontcourt options.

#2 T.J. McConnell

Indiana Pacers steals merchant, T.J. McConnell

Another option in the backcourt the LA Clippers could pursue with their limited cap space would be T.J. McConnell. Although he is ultimately a hustling Sixth Man option, they could promote him to the starting role given their lack of options, especially if Reggie Jackson leaves.

TJ MCCONNELL 🔥 16 PTS (8/8 FG)13 AST (2 TO)10 STL*4 REB1 BLKOff the bench! His 9 steals in the 1st half is an NBA record pic.twitter.com/ULsqgvczL4

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 4, 2021

On 26 minutes a night this year, McConnell averaged a respectable 8.6 points and 6.6 assists while shooting at 56% from the field. He would give the Clippers consistent scoring from that point and is more creatively-minded than Patrick Beverley. He is also extremely effective on defense, grabbing a staggering 1.9 steals per game - the most of any bench player in the league.

#1 Lonzo Ball

New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball

Akin to Kelly Olynyk, the LA Clippers could only hope to attain Lonzo Ball as part of a sign-and-trade deal. The 23-year-old point guard has been involved in NBA rumors all year due to him becoming a free agent and there will be several suitors looking to bring him in over the summer.

The Clippers should be at the front of the pack. We have already made it clear how desperately they need a point guard to run the offense and Ball is steadily proving he can be that presence on a bigger stage than in New Orleans. He pulled up career-high shooting metrics this year and averaged 14.6 points a night along with 5.7 assists. On the other end, like T.J. McConnell, Ball also has an active hand, grabbing 1.5 steals per contest.

Lonzo Ball tonight:33 PTS (ties career-high)11-23 FG7-13 3P4-4 FTHe is averaging career-highs in PPG, 3PG, FG%, 3P%, FT% this season. pic.twitter.com/VhQDpQm5dZ

— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 5, 2021

Bringing in Ball would likely mean losing Patrick Beverley and Marcus Morris along with a draft pick or roster filler to make the economics of a deal work. But if the LA Clippers can get a deal over the line, they could be looking at a very potent big three on offense without losing their defensive grit.