Amnesty Watch: Why LA Clippers Must Rid Themselves of Mo Williams

Setbacks can lead to success.

The Los Angeles Clippers traded a first-round draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Mo Williams at the 2011 NBA trade deadline. Cleveland proceeded to win the lottery and select Kyrie Irving No. 1 overall. Instead of Irving, LA has Williams, but the Clips will have options if they amnesty him.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that when Williams was asked if he’d opt out of his contract this summer, he said, “No. I can tell you that right now.”

Williams is a wise man.

He’ll turn 30 years old next season. No team will offer him more than he’s making right now—$8.5 million. Williams simply isn’t worth it.

And that’s exactly why the Clippers should use amnesty him. According to Hoopsworld, Los Angeles’ team salary is just below the league’s projected cap at about $58 million (via CBA FAQ). If they’d waive Williams, LA would have approximately $9 million to spend in free agency.

The question then becomes: Can the Clippers sign an upgrade with that much money? Answer: yes. The first name that comes to mind is Ray Allen.

Los Angeles pursued Allen at the trade deadline before settling for Nick Young. ESPN’s Chris Broussard reported, though, that the Clippers will target him in free agency.

Allen will turn 37 years old in July. At that age, LA won’t have to pay Allen $9 million, and according to NBC's Kurt Helin, he’ll demand the mid-level exception.

If the Clippers choose to fill their hole at shooting guard with Allen, they’d still have that $9 million to spend on a bona fide sixth man—that or a starting center. Why not bring a pair of Boston Celtics over? Yeah, I’m talking about Kevin Garnett.

While KG’s 36 years old, he’s still a beast. He successfully slid over to center this season and recorded 15.8 points and 8.2 boards per game. Garnett is worth $9 million and he’d be worth every penny.

His intensity, experience and defensive presence would make KG an invaluable addition to the Clips. 

Those two signings would give the Clippers a starting lineup of Chris Paul, Allen, Caron Butler, Blake Griffin and Garnett. That leaves Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan as key reserves.

Four active roster spots remain with Ryan Gomes still under contract. LA would have to sign multiple players to veteran minimum deals, but with that core, vets would be calling the Clippers. Players such as Grant Hill and DeShawn Stevenson are perimeter options while re-signing Reggie Evans would solidify their frontcourt.

Acquisitions outside of Allen are speculation, but here’s a fact: Los Angeles isn’t sneaking past the Oklahoma City Thunder next year without a major transaction. Williams’ release opens the door to make just that. 

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels