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

Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors

If the Clippers are going to lose Paul, they might as well replace him with arguably the NBA’s best point guard. Yes, I’m talking about Stephen Curry, who has said it’d be nice to keep the Golden State Warriors together, but hasn’t outright declared his intent to return.

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While it seems likely Curry re-signs, that’s not the game I’m playing today. Instead, I’m looking at opportunities for the Clippers to get better, even if the odds of partnerships actually coming into existence are slim to none. That’s why we’re going to examine the possibility of the former MVP taking his talents to SoCal.

Imagine what Curry could do for this Los Angeles offense. While Paul is an outstanding talent, he’s not quite to the level of the dynamic leader of the Warriors. Curry offers absurd shooting from just about anywhere on the court, even when he takes it inside the paint. Although his defensive skills aren’t elite, he’s more than capable of using his tenacity and quickness to make life difficult for opponents.

Maybe Curry decides that two rings in the Bay Area are enough? It’s not crazy to imagine him deciding he needs a new challenge, although that would be pretty low of him to bail with Kevin Durant set to return (via ESPN‘s Chris Haynes).

Next: Early predictions for top NBA free agents in 2017

Curry would be a tremendous replacement for Paul, between his overall effectiveness and relative youth. The financial constraints and lack of an opportunity make this nearly impossible in the real world, but you better believe the Clippers would explore every avenue to sign Curry if he agreed to a meeting.