The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to re-sign unrestricted free agent guard Austin Rivers to a contract that will pay him $35 million over three years. The contract cannot officially be signed until the end of the NBA’s moratorium period on July 7th.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical broke the news on Saturday evening:
Free agent guard Austin Rivers has agreed to a deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2016
Report: Austin Rivers Agrees To Re-Sign with Los Angeles Clippers
Rivers’ contract will take him through the end of the 2018-19 season. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that the deal has a player option before the third year, allowing Rivers to opt out and become a free agent in the 2018 off-season if he so chooses:
Austin Rivers three-year, $35 million deal includes a player option in year 3
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 3, 2016
Rivers averaged 8.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game last season for the Los Angeles Clippers. Rivers only started seven games last season, but still managed to contribute well of the bench for most of the year. Rivers definitely performs at his best as an impact player off the bench, and has played that role well for the last four seasons. His bench production has been productive for the Clippers and the New Orleans Pelicans, prior to his stint in Los Angeles. The Clippers were beaten by the Portland Trail Blazers in this year’s playoffs, losing their first round series 4-2, after winning the first two games at home. This was a series that saw Rivers step up after an injury to Clippers star point guard Chris Paul. Despite losing the series, Rivers played a larger than normal role and saw his numbers rise dramatically, when given the chance to start. Rivers appears to be improving gradually every year, and may finally be ready for a starting role.
Looking forward, Rivers will be productive either as a starter or a strong bench contributor for his new team. Rivers defends well and provides energy when on the court. Whether or not Rivers starts, he will be an effective player for Los Angeles. Known for his good contributions coming off the bench, Rivers will likely play more games coming off the bench. He could even become the sixth man for his new team. The Clippers will need to get the most out of Rivers, using him at the right time and making sure he fulfills his potential as a bench player, with the long-term potential to become a starter. Rivers could be key to the Clippers contending for a championship in the 2016-17 season.
Rivers is heading into his fourth year in the Association, and will be 24 years old by the time the new season begins. During his time in the league, Rivers has only played for two teams, the aforementioned Clippers and Pelicans. Rivers was drafted 10th overall by New Orleans in the 2012 NBA draft.
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