Clippers Rumors: 'Pessimism' Tyronn Lue Can Be Acquired from LA amid Bucks, Suns Buzz

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has been linked to the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns' head coaching vacancies this offseason despite remaining under contract with L.A. through the 2024-25 campaign.

While Lue has been mentioned as a top target for both franchises, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported Thursday that there is "pessimism" he can be acquired from the Clippers this summer.

"[Steve] Ballmer is known to have a strong affinity for Lue and his coaching acumen, sources said, and the Clippers still very much harbor championship aspirations despite another playoff shortcoming from Kawhi Leonard and Paul George," Fischer wrote.

The Bucks are searching for a new bench boss after firing Mike Budenholzer following the team's disappointing first-round playoff loss to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat, who are competing in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.

Phoenix is also in need of a head coach after firing Monty Williams following the team's blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals. It marked the franchise's second consecutive blowout loss in a playoff elimination game after it fell to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals last year.

Fischer first reported Milwaukee's interest in hiring Lue last week, writing that he and Williams were "on the Bucks' radar." NBA insider Marc Stein also reported May 13 that the Suns "are expected to explore the feasibility of trying to lure" Lue from the Clippers.

However, ESPN's Zach Lowe reported Wednesday that the Clippers "love" Lue "and are happy to remind any team that might put out feelers about his potential availability that he remains under contract."

Lowe added that prying Lue from the Clippers "would appear to be very difficult."

Additionally, The Athletic's Shams Charania and Zach Harper reported this week that the Clippers could extend Lue's contract, which would almost surely rule out a departure from the club this offseason.

The Clippers promoted Lue from assistant coach to head coach ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. In his three seasons at the helm, L.A. is 133-103 with two playoff appearances, including a berth in the 2021 Western Conference Finals.

The Clippers have largely underperformed with Lue behind the bench, though that's mostly because Leonard and George have been sidelined by injuries both during the regular season and playoffs, which has hindered the team's success.

If Leonard and George can remain healthy, the Lue-led Clippers could very well reach the NBA Finals at some point in the near future.