Update (05/31/2017):
The higher-ups in the Los Angeles Clippers have spoken with Golden State Warriors consultant Jerry West about bringing him on board, per ESPN’s Marc Stein:
Updating the Clippers/Jerry West story: League sources say West has already held talks w/owner Steve Ballmer and coach/president Doc Rivers.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 31, 2017
Original Story (05/30/2017) follows:
The Los Angeles Clippers have expressed interest in hiring Jerry West, according to Marc Stein. West has spent the last few years working as a consultant for the Golden State Warriors.
The Logo has one of the biggest legacies in the NBA. From a heralded playing career to creating the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal-led Lakers teams that won three championships, West has had his hands in many aspects of basketball history.
The Clippers, meanwhile, have had struggles breaking through. Despite the best stretch in franchise history, they have been unable to get past the second round, marking their big three as a disappointment in many people’s eyes. This summer, they have big decisions to make as Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and JJ Redick are all free agents.
Doc Rivers, the team’s head coach and president of basketball operations, has been criticized for his work in the front office, especially in finding quality role players to surround his stars.
West, meanwhile, has been an advisor to the Warriors and was reportedly crucial in getting Kevin Durant to sign with Golden State last summer. Team owner Joe Lacob has been adamant that the team wants to retain West after his contract runs out.
The Clippers’ hiring West would not be major news regarding Rivers as Stein reports that they, like several other teams, want to hire the 79-year-old in a similar role as his current one with the Warriors.
