NBA Rumors: Arron Afflalo Leaving New York Knicks For Los Angeles Clippers

NBA rumors have been swirling around Arron Afflalo. The 30-year-old shooting guard is expected to become an unrestricted free agent this upcoming summer. Afflalo has proven he is a pretty good two way player in the National Basketball Association. Several teams should be interested in signing him to their roster. According to Sporting News, one of the teams that might be interesting in signing the former UCLA Bruins star will be the Los Angeles Clippers.

Arron Afflalo has been in the NBA for nine years. The former UCLA Bruins has played for five different teams since joining the league. At first, he was known only as defender. That was until he was traded to the Orlando Magic. Afflalo spent two seasons with the Magic. During his time with the team, he proved as a reliable offensive player. His second year with team he averaged 18.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Afflalo had a career high in points and assists.

Last summer, Arron Afflalo decided to join his old teammate Carmelo Anthony by signing with the New York Knicks. He signed a two-year deal worth $16 million, with the second year being a player option. This season, Afflalo averaged 12.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and two assists per game. Those are pretty good stats considering he was the third scoring option for the team. He was behind Carmelo and rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis.

Half way through the year, New York Knicks interim head coach decided to bench Arron Afflalo. Many people have an idea why this was done. They are hoping that it would make him decline his player option during the summer and become a free agent. The Knicks are doing this because they are hoping to sign a superstar during free agency. If Afflalo decides to opt out, New York will have enough to offer someone a maximum contract.

The Los Angeles Clippers have been looking for someone to be their starting small forward. Last summer, team president Doc Rivers traded for Lance Stephenson from the Charlotte Hornets in hopes of him taking that starting role. Things didn’t turn out that way. The Clippers decided to trade away Stephenson in the middle of the season. They traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies small forward Jeff Green. Green has shown flashes of being a good player, but he is set to become a free agent this summer.

If the Los Angeles Clippers do decide to bring in veteran shooting guard Arron Afflalo, it will be interesting to see if head coach Doc Rivers decides to go with a small lineup. Afflalo is listed at 6’5? 210 pounds. JJ Redick is listed at 6’4? 190 pounds. Afflalo is a versatile player who can play both the shooting guard position and small forward. His defensive ability will be able to let Rivers play small. The addition of Afflalo will help make the Clippers better on the perimeter. Los Angeles already have DeAndre Jordan, who has shown he is an interior rim protector.

One of the teams that will be interested in acquiring Arron Afflalo will be the Brooklyn Nets. They are in need of an upgrade at the guard positions. The Nets currently have Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young. They are solid on the front court. Last season, the Nets starting shooting guard was Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. He showed promise until he was knocked out with an injury. Hollis-Jefferson is naturally a small forward. Playing he and Afflalo on the perimeter could be a dangerous combination.

The Los Angeles Clippers will be looking to add another wing player to their team. The Clippers have shown interest in Arron Afflalo a couple years ago. They could be looking to add him to their team during free agency. Afflalo could possibly help push the Clippers to the next level.