Clippers to pursue West

[Grang33r]

Per ESPN.com's Marc Stein via the RealGM wiretap-

The Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing David West this offseason.

The Clippers will have to entice West with the $5.15 million midlevel exception available to teams that are non-taxpayers.

West played with Chris Paul as members of the New Orleans Hornets.

The Indiana Pacers will be able to pay West more money to re-sign.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/22 ... David-West

No way West goes to the Clippers IMO.

[8305]

Can't believe anyone thinks David West is going to take a 50% haircut to play with argueably an inferior team to the one he's on now. Because he's such good frients with Chris Paul.

[Scoot McGroot]

If the Pacers hadn't turned into an EC contender, and possibly a championship contender, I would assume something like this.

However, this Pacers team has embraced David's persona, and is really in his image and work ethic. Even Lance has shut his mouth and embraced the David West attitude. Old-school. I can't see him leaving this Pacers team so long as we don't short-change him.

[8305]

If he is lost, I can't see it being to some team selling itself as a better destination that asks him to take a big discount from his market value. Now if someone throws say 15 mil/yr for more than three years... that could be another thing.

[MNPacersfan]

One other thing to mention. West is a backup in LA. Half the money and half the role?

Do we even know that he likes Chris Paul? I think that he just liked winning with Chris Paul. I can't think of anyone that actually likes Chris Paul.

[Boneman2]

I can't see him leaving this Pacers team so long as we don't short-change him.

We don't want to overpay either.

I think 3yr/ 24 mill is fair. Maybe pay him 10 next season, 8 in year two, and 6 in year three when he is slowing down.

Then again, if LAC is talking MLE we can probably get him cheaper, but like Scoot said, ownership shouldn't short-change him because that might offend. I think the above offer is more than fair considering it is the same value as the one Boston offered 2 yrs. prior.

[Jake0890]

Half money, half role, equal teams. Why would he go to the Clips?

That said, we can't overpay him. I think 10 mil per year is more than fair for someone of his level and age.

[chube]

Upwards of $11 million I think would be ok. He was getting 10 this year, so it will be hard not to give some sort of raise. I would love that declining scale that Boneman mentioned. Because after next summer, granted Danny will be off the books, but raises for PG and Lance will be in order.

West keeps mentioning that no "I" attitude, so fingers crossed that the attitude plays into negotiations!!!

[RiversideClips]

I would love to have West in a Clipper Uni, but he has become a leader on your team. The Pacers were a good team last year & w/ the addition of West you are so much better. I think that you are a one of a few teams that can beat the Heat.
I love my Clips & they may be in a great position for the next few years w/ CP3 & Blake, but Hill, Granger, George, Hansborough you are one dangerous team coming out of the East. I want West, I like him as a player and what he brings to the game, but he should be a Pacer.
Hoping, Wishing, Praying that it may be a Clip/Pacer final soon.

[Wizop]

I love my Clips & they may be in a great position for the next few years w/ CP3 & Blake, but Hill, Granger, George, Hansborough you are one dangerous team coming out of the East.

you won't get West for the MLE unless Pacer management has a far different view from those of us here, but Hanborough is a restricted free agent and you might get him straight up or in a S&T.

[Jake0890]

I take that back. After seeing West play tonight, GET THAT MAN A NEW CONTRACT.

[chube]

It would be devastating to see David go. He epitomizes this team and the other 14 guys have followed his character and mentality. Plus, by all accounts, he has really embraced the Indy community and vice versa. This team, plus a healthy Granger, yikes.

Plus, I re-watched the Reggie Miller 30 for 30 the other day. Mark Jackson was being interviewed and he mentioned how he looked at the Pacers and saw his chance to truly compete for a championship, possibly even being the missing piece. (And funnily enough, they reached the Finals with him.) Got to doing some wishful thinking today. Hopefully other FA's around the league start to follow that mindset. At the moment, Indy and Chicago are probably the top two competitors to Miami out East. Here's to hoping that FA's take notice.

[GeneralNash]

Very few people can guard west in the post. He is a specimen.

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