The Los Angeles Clippers have spent the offseason retooling their roster. It was a necessary move after Paul George left them to join the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers still have Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, so they clearly aren’t looking to rebuild.
On Monday night, two more free agent signings were announced for Los Angeles. First, Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report announced that Kris Dunn would be joining the team. Later, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Mo Bamba would also be heading to the Clippers.
Free agent guard Kris Dunn has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/Xuli91FrGj
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 2, 2024
Free agent center Mo Bamba has agreed on a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/slB6wJkGvp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2024
Clippers To Sign Two Former Top-Six Draft Picks
Kris Dunn Has Redeemed Value After Being Seen As Draft Bust
While he still hasn’t quite lived up to his draft billing (fifth overall in 2016), Dunn has shown his value in the last two seasons with the Utah Jazz. Last season in 66 games (32 starts), the 29-year-old point guard posted averages of 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in 18.9 minutes. Standing at six-foot-three, Dunn has always been seen as an excellent perimeter defender.
The deal is for one year, but the terms are unknown. Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports has reported that the Clippers are looking to engage in sign-and-trade talks with Utah to perhaps be able to offer Dunn more money. With reports that Russell Westbrook is unlikely to play again for Los Angeles, Dunn will fill in as their backup point guard.
Being told the Clippers are working through options to bring Kris Dunn to Los Angeles from Utah by way of sign-and-trade.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 2, 2024
Mo Bamba Coming Off Career-Low Playing Time
Just like Dunn, the 26-year-old Bamba was a high draft pick (sixth overall in 2018). The seven-foot center is coming off a 2023-24 season with the 76ers where he received the least playing time of his career. In 13.0 minutes per game, Bamba averaged 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. He did not see any playing time in Philadelphia’s first-round matchup against the New York Knicks.
Bamba’s new deal will be for one year at the veteran’s minimum of $2.61 million. The Clippers are in need of a reserve big man with Mason Plumlee signing with the Phoenix Suns and Daniel Theis remaining unsigned thus far.