Austin Rivers has agreed to return to the Clippers on a three-year, $35 million deal, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
Clippers, Austin Rivers agree on 3-year, $35 million deal
Rivers will return to the Clippers to provide some guard depth.
Rivers had the best season of his career in 2015/16, posting averages of nine points, two rebounds and over one assist in 22 minutes a game. He also played solid defense at both guard spots, something that is always helpful.
He upped his numbers across the board in the playoffs, where the shorthanded Clippers ultimately lost in six games to the Trail Blazers. In that series he showed flashes of shot-creating ability that he had not displayed in the past, which could mean there's still some untapped potential there.
While he might not be worth $15 million per year even in the new economic climate, Rivers is a solid two-way guard who could still develop. The deal isn’t that bad on its own.
It does, however, mean that now the Clippers can't sign Kevin Durant while keeping Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, something they were reportedly trying to accomplish. It was always a long shot, so Doc Rivers can't be blamed for giving up the pursuit while locking up a young player who has contributed to the team and has chemistry with the stars.
Rivers will always face scrutiny for playing on his father’s team. His new contract will only increase it, but he’s probably used to having a target on his back by now.
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