As the NBA edges closer to the most compelling free-agent sweepstakes in years and a potentially intriguing trade market, you can’t help but wonder just who might show up on the Stan Sheriff Center court this fall.

Kevin Durant? Kawhi Leonard? Anthony Davis? Kyrie Irving?

The cash-flush Los Angeles Clippers have told folks here they intend to pick up an option in their 2017 contract with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and return for a third consecutive preseason camp at the University of Hawaii this year.

With beaucoup millions burning a hole in their pockets and an opening to make a leap up the standings, the Clippers have signaled an intention to be among the most aggressive pursuers of top-drawer free-agent talent.

So aggressive that Clippers officials have been highly visible in taking in Raptors games this season to let Leonard and the world know they are interested. So aggressive, perhaps, that the NBA was moved to fine the Clippers $50,000 for violating the league’s anti-tampering rule for coach Doc Rivers gushing over Leonard.

Leonard can decline his player option for next season, becoming a free agent July 1, and, should that happen, the Clippers are ready with a fleet of armored cars.

In an ESPN interview, Rivers drew comparisons of Leonard with Michael Jordan, saying he was the “most like Jordan that we’ve seen.” Rivers added, “LeBron (James) is phenomenal, Kevin (Durant) is phenomenal. Not that (Leonard) is Jordan or anything like that, but he’s the most like him. Big hands, post game, can finish, great leaper, great defender, in-between game, if you beat him to the spot, he bumps you off. Then, you add his 3-point shooting.”

The NBA chose to take that as constituting an attempt at directly or indirectly enticing, inducing, persuading someone under contract with another team for their services, as the anti-tampering rule is defined.

The fine was a pittance, not to mention good advertising for the Clippers, who have $56 million in practical cap space, according to Spotrac, more than enough for one max contract and enough to put them in contention with the Knicks, Nets, Lakers and anybody else. And the Clippers could boost their bankroll space to as much as $78 million, making a second max deal possible, by trading Danilo Gallinari to clear cap space.

For the once downtrodden Clippers, this can be the opening for the breakthrough offseason owner Steve Ballmer has been waiting for on several levels. They surprised in going 48-34 this season, making it to the first round of the playoffs with their all-rookie second-team guards (Landry Shamet and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) and a decent bench.

Now, with the right combination of free-agent acquisitions and/or akamai trades, they can take giant steps in the NBA and their own backyard.

Becoming a legitimate contender is only one facet of the enticing opportunity open to the Clippers these days. With the series of pratfalls suffered by the bumbling Lakers, there is also the matter of raising their profile in Southern California, where they have, since arriving, been a distant No. 2.

That can change in a hurry this summer, and fans at the Stan Sheriff Center in the fall could be the first to witness it.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@staradvertiser.com or 529-4820.