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According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Clippers’ owner, Steve Ballmer, and their head coach and president of basketball operations, Doc Rivers, have already spoken with Golden State Warriors advisor Jerry West regarding a position with L.A.
Updating the Clippers/Jerry West story: League sources say West has already held talks w/owner Steve Ballmer and coach/president Doc Rivers.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 31, 2017
This both lends legitimacy to the report that the Clippers are interested in West, and casts shadow on the legality of the talks that were allegedly held. As West is still under contract with the Warriors, and Clipper attempt to recruit the front office veteran without Golden State’s permission would be considered tampering and be punishable by the league office.
West’s contract with the Warriors does not expire until July, when the 2016-17 NBA Season officially ends and the 2017-18 NBA Season begins.