Clippers to reportedly go after David West this summer

David West will reportedly be targeted by the Los Angeles Clippers this summer. (Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly looking to add some pieces to their roster to get past the disappointment of a first round exit this season at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. According to a report Tuesday from Marc Stein of ESPN.com, one of those additions could be Indiana Pacers forward David West, who is set to become a free agent in July.

West, who turns 33 this summer, has every reason to think he can take his game to the next level playing alongside Chris Paul, who was instrumental in developing him into a two-time All-Star during their five years together in New Orleans. But as Stein points out, Indiana will likely be able to offer more money to West, who made $10 million this season, if he remains with the Pacers. And there's no certainty that Paul, also set to become a free agent this summer, will definitely be back with the Clippers next season:

"The Clips would presumably have to structure an offer with the $5.15 million midlevel exception available to non-tax teams. But you have to figure that the former Hornet -- who rose to All-Star prominence playing alongside CP3 -- is going to want to hear the details of a proposal pitching a reunion with his old point guard ... as long as Paul himself, of course, has decided to stay."

West would also have to adjust from a roster where he is a featured player in the rotation in Indiana to Los Angeles, where he would compete for minutes with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Another uncertainty is the fate of Indiana for the rest of the playoffs and whether winning a championship this season, as far-fetched as it may seem for the third-seeded Pacers, would sway West to re-sign with Indiana or give him all the more reason to go out on top in Indiana and move on to another team.