Clippers not guaranteeing Eric Gordon’s $21M deal next season, sources say

The LA Clippers gave up guard Eric Gordon on Wednesday night, which will give them over $100 million in tax savings.

The Clippers have decided not to guarantee Gordon’s $21 million contract before Thursday’s deadline, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Clippers will reduce their projected tax bill to $59 million from $169 million, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. The team is $18 million over the $165 million tax threshold.

The Clippers traded Luke Kennard, John Wall and a protected pick swap for Gordon and three prospective second-round picks at the February close. Kennard led the league in 3-point shooting percentage for the second straight season, but the Clippers credited Gordon for the veteran’s ability to stretch the ground, defend larger guards and attack the ring.

During his second stint with the Clippers, Gordon averaged 11 points and a 42.3% 3-point shooting percentage in 22 regular-season games. His numbers slumped in the postseason, averaging 10.2 points and a 34.5% shooting percentage from behind the archway in the Clippers’ first-round loss to Phoenix.

The Clippers have some younger guards like Terance Mann and Bones Hyland who are hoping to see more playing time this season. Basketball team president Lawrence Frank also said the Clippers want to bring back point guard Russell Westbrook, who is a free agent and will see what other offers there are. The Clippers can only offer Westbrook their $3.8 million non-bird exemption.