Los Angeles Clippers: 5 dream targets in 2017 NBA free agency

Gordon Hayward, SF, Utah Jazz

Let’s now work under the assumption that the Clippers’ lineup stays intact this offseason. They’re only a piece or two away from really contending in 2017-18. I can assure you that the addition of Gordon Hayward would make them a legitimate threat for the Western Conference crown.

Teaming Hayward with Paul, Griffin and DeAndre Jordan would give Los Angeles one of the best starting fives throughout the NBA. He’d give them a dynamic scoring option on the wing who can also make his presence felt on the defensive end. There’s no denying he’d be an upgrade over Mbah a Moute.

In the real world, he’s completely out of the question for the Clippers. Chances are he re-signs with the Jazz. Even if he does test the waters of free agency, I wouldn’t expect him to listen to any other teams beyond the Boston Celtics. One way or another, Hayward seems destined to end up playing for either Utah or Boston.

But this isn’t the real world — this is a dream scenario during which anything is possible. Hayward would be a terrific addition to the Los Angeles lineup, although it doesn’t solve their issue of having a thin bench. It does, however, give them a younger, more dependable presence on the wing who can light up the scoreboard.

If Hayward were to give the Clippers the time of day, they’d love to have him.