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NBA Rumor Central: Cole Aldrich expected to join free agent market

Russell Westbrook's career-high 20 assists led to 44 points for the Thunder in their win over the Clippers. Mark D. Smith/USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers have three players on the roster with player options for 2016-17, and the trio will decline them so they can join the free agent market in July.

On Wednesday, the news broke regarding guards Wesley Johnson and Austin Rivers, and Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reported that backup center Cole Aldrich has also decided to decline his option for next season.

Of the three, Rivers would seem to be a lock to return. Both Johnson and Aldrich reportedly would be likely to re-sign as well. June 22 is the deadline for the players to decline their option for 2016-17, so on June 23 it will become official.

Aldrich averaged 5.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks this season -- his first with the Clippers.