LA Clippers: Re-signing Harrell, Morris must be top priority in offseason

The LA Clippers are prepping for a championship run, but already have their eyes set on free agency with the futures of Montrezl Harrell and Marcus Morris Sr.

If there is anything that has separated the LA Clippers from the rest of the NBA, it is their immense depth. The team has done a fantastic job jumping from a first-round playoff exit last year, to championship contenders this season because of the roster they have constructed.

Reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are going to get all the news headlines, but the players surrounding this star pairing have been just as deserving. Going all-in on a title run this season, the Clippers reportedly are looking to keep their roster intact beyond this season and continue competing.

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This comes as key players Montrezl Harrell and Marcus Morris Sr. are set to become free agents once this season comes to a close. Both are significant factors for this team’s success, and a team looking to create a dynasty cannot let players like this walk out the door.

Harrell is having a fantastic season for the Clippers, currently ranking as the frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year Award. The power forward has been doing a bit of everything on the court, averaging 18.6 points per game, hauling in 7.1 rebounds, and blocking 1.2 shots per game.

The big man has undoubtedly been a significant contributor to the success of the Clippers this season, bolstering their lineup with some stellar firepower off the bench. Harrell will likely be offered a large contract from the team regardless of what happens, but it will probably be significantly larger if he brings home the Sixth Man of the Year honors.

Harrell has had his fair share of displeasure over the course of his tenure with the team but has kept it at bay for quite a while now. Winning makes many problems seem to disappear, which is precisely what this team is hoping to do.

As for Marcus Morris, although we have not seen much of him just yet, the newly acquired forward has been producing. In seven games with the Clippers, Morris is averaging 10.9 points per game on 39.5 percent field goal shooting.

Morris also brought a sense of toughness with him since being traded from the New York Knicks and has fit right in with the Clippers. The 30-year-old’s 6’8″, 218 lbs frame allows him to defend multiple positions, something the team has undoubtedly used to their advantage.

Although it is unclear how this team will pan out for the remainder of this season, re-signing both players is a genuinely safe move to make. Harrell is just 26 years old, and Morris is 30, making them both fairly reliable options for the team long term.

Losing either of them could prove costly, especially if they choose to wear a uniform for an opposing team in this loaded Western Conference. The team has a few months before they have to worry about any of this. However, they are dealing with their own issues right now as a team.

The LA Clippers are currently 7-4 in the month of February, which has drawn some concern for fans as the team looks sluggish at times. With the group only playing six games with their roster at full strength, and now adding Marcus Morris into the mix, keep an eye on the Clippers as the playoffs approach if they can stay healthy.