Clippers desperate for free agents in wake of DeAndre Jordan departure

Ever since the Los Angeles Clippers took a 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets in the second round of the NBA playoffs, things have fallen apart. They dropped three straight to lose the series and get sent home from the playoffs, and then they lost defensive stalwart DeAndre Jordan in free agency to the Dallas Mavericks.

It seemed likely that the big man would stay with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and the Clippers, but he parted ways with the franchise to the tune of a four-year, $80 million deal.

The departure of Jordan leaves the Clippers in dire need of a replacement, and they're clamoring for free agents. Because they don't have much cap space available -- the Clippers have roughly $2.2 million in exception space left to pay a player beyond the league's minimum salary slot of $1.4 million -- team president and coach Doc Rivers is going to have to take a chance on a player.

Here's a list of names that are rumored to be on the Clippers' radar:

JaVale McGee

McGee is looking for another new start after promising beginnings with both the Washington Wizards and the Denver Nuggets. But inconsistent play and injuries make him a very risky player to sign. He's played just 28 games the past two seasons. Teams have been hesitant to work with McGee, who has yet to put together a string of worthwhile performances while in the league. In seven seasons with the Wizards, Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers, McGee has averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.

The Clippers might have to take a chance on him in hopes that playing for a contender can make a difference.

Amar'e Stoudemire

The Clippers are also considering the veteran Stoudemire, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. Stoudemire was once one of the most electric big men in the league, but injuries and age have slowed him down. He did play 59 games last season, averaging 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds in 21 minutes per game with the New York Knicks and Mavericks. He was never the defender that Jordan was, but he could provide the Clippers with a few minutes off the bench.

Ryan Hollins

Hollins is viewed as a backup center, but without Jordan, he might have to be more than that should he join the Clippers. Hollins played for Doc Rivers in Boston and in LA during 2013-14 season, and the Clippers have been in contact with him, according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times. Hollins has played for seven NBA teams. His best season came in 2009-10 when he averaged 6.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.

That the Clippers are possibly bringing in Hollins shows just how much trouble they're in. Still, with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, they can be a great team. Paul can make almost anyone better and Griffin is a bona fide MVP candidate. Don't count out the Clippers yet.

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