Lakers make Smart move after conjuring up Wizards buyout

Clippers eye Paul

After trying to trade for Bradley Beal twice in the past, the LA Clippers finally have their shooting guard after he signed with the team following a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns last week.

"The third time is a charm," Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said on Saturday.

Now, Frank said, the Clippers are "strongly considering" a potential reunion with former franchise great Chris Paul to complete their active summer. Paul, the 20-year veteran, is a free agent. The Clippers want to add more playmaking and ballhandling, and the franchise's former quarterback from the Lob City era and all-time assists leader is a possibility.

"What I'd say about Chris is he's a great player," Frank said when asked if the Clippers will sign Paul next. "He's a great Clipper. He obviously possesses some of the qualities we (are looking for). And, of course, we're strongly, strongly considering him."

The Clippers' strong offseason also included adding power forward John Collins and center Brook Lopez, and creating salary cap flexibility so they can be opportunistic in the next two summers to potentially go after more stars.

Agencies via Xinhua