The Los Angeles Clippers are viewed as a dark horse candidate in the Western Conference for the upcoming season and these next few weeks are critical for the franchise as they attempt to solidify their roster. There have been plenty of rumors swirling in recent days, the most notable of which suggesting the Clips may pursue Caron Butler in free agency or Tayshaun Prince in a deal with the Pistons.
On Butler potentially coming to Los Angeles:
"He sees the Clippers with a more stable foundation of players," one source familiar with Butler's thinking said. "He isn't sure about Deron Williams' future in New Jersey, and having a chance to win will be a big part of this."
Butler played only 29 games in the Dallas Mavericks' title run a season ago, missing the remainder with a right knee injury. At 31 years old, he's checked out healthy again and remains a primary target for several teams looking for a small forward.
And on a potential Prince for Chris Kaman swap:
The Clippers are under the salary cap but want to keep restricted free agent DeAndre Jordan, who will command a lot of attention in the abbreviated free-agency period. Jordan plays the same position as Kaman, whom the Pistons would gladly take off the Clippers' hands.
He has been on the trading block since last season, but contrary to popular belief, the Pistons and Clippers didn't have conversations involving Kaman. That could change this time around, especially with teams likely to make big bids for Nene (Denver), Jordan and Tyson Chandler (Dallas) when free agency officially begins Dec. 9.
Kaman's expiring $12.2 million deal is certainly no drawback. The Pistons would love to find someone to pair alongside Greg Monroe, and Kaman is an accomplished low-post scorer.
These are certainly two rumors that appear to have some solidity and merit to them. Should the Clippers make a move or two, they should have the financial flexibility to bring almost anyone to Los Angeles, especially if they rid themselves of Kaman's contract. These next two weeks are going to be wild with rumors, signings and trades.
For more on the Clippers and free agency news, head on over to Clips Nation.