#2 Reggie Jackson won't return
Reggie Jackson was undoubtedly the biggest surprise package of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The LA Clippers point guard stepped up when Kawhi Leonard went down with an injury, complementing Paul George perfectly in the series against the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.
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Reggie Jackson averaged 17.8 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists on a staggering 40.8% shooting from behind the 3-point arc during the playoffs. He can be a handy option to have both as a starter and a bench player and can play both on-and-off the ball.
Jackson is set to become an Early Bird free agent eligible for up to a four-year deal projected at $46 million. Jackson showcased his talent on the offensive end throughout the LA Clippers' postseason campaign, and it won't be a shock to see him leave Tyronn Lue's team for top-dollar elsewhere.
#1 The LA Clippers trade the #25 pick
The LA Clippers have one pick in the upcoming 2021 NBA Draft, which is #25. So far, the LA Clippers have mostly been linked with point guards and perimeter defenders like Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois), Jaden Springer (Tennessee), and Tre Mann (Florida). Daishen Nix, Josh Butler, and Josh Christopher have also been discussed in NBA rumors.
However, the LA Clippers view themselves as championship contenders, and drafting a player in the 2021 NBA draft might turn out to be counter-productive. The Clippers' core of Paul George, Marcus Morris, Luke Kennard and Ivica Zubac might need some heavy assistance this summer, especially if the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum end up parting ways.
In that scenario, the LA Clippers will most likely have to trade the #25 pick away for immediate help. The Clippers need depth at point guard and center/power forward position, and the #25 pick along with a dispensable piece could get them a player who can fill one of these two roles.
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