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NBA Rumors: Ideal landing spots for the top 6 restricted free agents

By Robbie Stratakos

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets looks at the basket as he is guarded by Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets looks at the basket as he is guarded by Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Jusuf Nurkic – Los Angeles Clippers

Portland Trail Blazers center, Jusuf Nurkic, is going to be one of the more underrated free agents this Summer considering the other premier big men that will be available (DeMarcus Cousins, DeAndre Jordan, Clint Capela). But with the Los Angeles Clippers likely moving on from DeAndre Jordan this offseason, there is going to be a need inside for the Los Angeles Clippers; Nurkic could be their long-term solution.

After he was traded from the Denver Nuggets in 2017, Nurkic broke out and proved he was worthy of being an every night starter, and he continued to do so last season. Averaging 14.3 points and nine rebounds per game last season, he was able to finish inside and hit the boards. But Nurkic is also able to play in the post. At seven feet, 280 pounds, the center is capable of having his way with defenders in the low-post and serves as a viable offensive threat. He also quietly averaged 1.9 and 1.4 blocks per game in his first two seasons with Portland, despite not being categorized as an elite player on that end.

The Clippers are an entirely different team than they were in years past. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and likely Jordan will be playing elsewhere next season, and a youth movement is taking place within the Clippers organization. With their two first round selections in the NBA Draft, the Clippers took Kentucky point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (19) and Boston College guard Jerome Robinson (21). They also have forwards Montrezl Harrell (24) and Sam Dekker (24), as well as Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams.

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Sure, Marcin Gortat (who the Clippers acquired from the Washington Wizards Tuesday afternoon) is in place, but his contract expires after the 2018-19 season, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility to think that management will look to trade him. Nurkic is one of the best centers in the NBA, and he can be a staple in the middle for the Clippers going forward while their youth develops.

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