Though the Los Angeles Clippers lost their starting point guard in Chris Paul, they went this offseason largely unscathed. They were able to get a valiant package in return for Paul instead of losing him for nothing and their big man corps remained intact despite DeAndre Jordan being involved in trade rumors and Blake Griffin hitting free agency.
However, the Clippers still know they need to add more talent to keep pace with the improving Western Conference and they did just that with an important bench signing on Tuesday. According to ESPN’s Chris Haynes, the Clippers will sign center Willie Reed to a one-year contract worth $1.5M:
Free agent center Willie Reed has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources tell ESPN. One-year, $1.5 million pact.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 18, 2017
While adding Willie Reed may not be a splashy signing, he’s a solid piece on any roster and could be a bargain for the Clips. Reed played well for the Miami Heat last year as the primary backup to Hassan Whiteside and he’ll play behind another sky walker in Jordan this season.
Reed’s per game averages of 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds are nothing to get overly excited about, but he proved he could also play well in a larger role as he filled in admirably as the starter when Whiteside was sidelined due to injury. After drafting Bam Adebayo in the NBA Draft, Reed became expendable for Miami but his interior presence should be key for LA’s second unit.
