The Clippers don’t look like a champion team this season – they need to make a move, be it a negotiation by Thursday’s deadline or in the acquisitions market afterwards. Except, Los Angeles was hitting hard cap and had only one spot on the open roster, complicating any significant movement.
Thus, the Clippers reached an agreement to exchange Mfiondu Kabengele, in addition to exchanging choices for the second round (which will probably never be exchanged), with the Sacramento Kings. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news.
The Clippers are exchanging Mfiondu Kabengele, a future second and money for the Kings for a future protected second round choice, sources told ESPN.
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 23, 2021
Kings used an exchange exception that would have expired today in the transaction. Both choices in the second round are strongly protected and unlikely to be transmitted, the sources said. Kings takes a young striker to evaluate – and make money; Clippers create an on-call point. https://t.co/MpqjAm4UOX
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 23, 2021
Clippers are now $ 2.6 million below the hard limit and have a few spots on the list.
Before the deal, LA Clippers had to wait until March 30 to sign a player as a result of the strict limit.
There are no restrictions now with the 2 open roster seats.
– Bobby Marks (@ BobbyMarks42) March 23, 2021
This is a victory for them – now we will see what Lawrence Frank and the front office will do with it.
The Kings take a look at Kabengele – a 6’9 ″ striker from the state of Florida – and get some money, a solid move on his end.
It is not an exciting trade, but it is a prelude to future movements. Clippers have been associated with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Lowry, George Hill and other secondary creators. This gives them more space to make an exchange.
Things are starting to pick up during the week of the trade deadline.