2019 NBA Free Agency: Clippers Have Interest in Taj Gibson

Per Darren Wolfson, a longtime reporter on the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Clippers are one of a handful of teams expected to show interest in veteran big man Taj Gibson in free agency. Wolfson is fairly plugged in to the Wolves, and has covered Gibson for a couple years, so this seems legit.

Taj is also a perfect “modern” Clippers player. He’s tough, gritty, and doesn’t back down from anyone or any thing. Taj just turned 34 and is entering his 11th season, so he’s not a longterm option, but would fit both as a great supplementary player on a contending team (if the Clippers land Kawhi Leonard) or a leading underdog on a team like last year’s Clippers. Taj averaged 10.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season in 24.1 minutes, but was more efficient than ever, and remains a smart, competent defender.

Taj will likely command a multiyear deal that will take him into his twilight years, but his advanced age and somewhat limited skillset means he shouldn’t be in for too big a payday. The Clippers will have lots of competition for his services, but he’d be a very nice fit as a stopgap starting center (if Ivica Zubac walks) or a reserve power forward next to Montrezl Harrell. He’s not the most exciting option, but he’d be a solid addition.