The Los Angeles Clippers have adjusted their roster once again. The Clippers made five roster moves, including adding two youngsters. What do the moves mean for the Clippers’ future?
Despite not having an open roster spot, the Clippers converted former second-round draft pick Jordan Miller‘s two-way contract to a multi-year standard deal. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Miller’s new deal is worth $8.3 million for four years. Charania added that the Clippers waived to MarJon Beauchamp make room for 6-7 wing, who will earn over $1 million over the remainder of the season.
“The Los Angeles Clippers and two-way guard Jordan Miller have agreed to a four-year, $8.3 million contract, sources tell ESPN, Charania posted on X. ” The 2023 second-rounder has starred for the Clippers’ G League team and now earns a standard deal, including over $1M for the last 6 weeks of the season. The Clippers are waiving forward MarJon Beauchamp to create roster space to convert Jordan Miller, sources said.”
Clippers Beat Deadline Adds Two Youngsters Among Bevy Of Roster Moves
It may appear to be curious timing for the Clippers to make a significant roster move at this time, as they are in the midst of making the playoffs. Since being selected with the No. 48 overall pick in 2023, Miller hasn’t been a huge contributor with LA.
Miller averages 4.7 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.7 in 12 minutes over 30 contests this year. The 25-year-old, who has seen less than a total of 25 minutes with the Clippers since January 19, also has shooting splits of 42.9/22.2/78.8. He has scored in double-figures six times.
However, Los Angeles had an upcoming decision. Miller has shown he is too talented for the G-League and has been active for 49 games, one fewer than the league, allowing players on a two-way deal to be active for 50 contests. That is the main reason the Clippers made their decision. Also, NBA teams have a March 4 deadline to sign players to a two-way deal.
Plus, Beauchamp has not been much of a factor for LA. Since being acquired by the Clippers from Milwaukkee at the trade deadline, Beauchamp has only played in three of eight games, seeing a total of 17 minutes. The No. 22 overall pick in 2022 has been a major disappointment as he averages 4.2 points in 142 career games.
Those two moves were not the only ones the Clippers made today. Charania also reported that the Clippers inked Seth Lundy and Patrick Baldwin Jr. to two-way deals. With Miller’s promotion, the Clippers had one two-way spot available, and they opened another spot by releasing Kai Jones.
Clippers Sign Two Players to Two-Way Deals
Lundy, Atlanta‘s 2023 second-round pick, was released by the Hawks in December. He appeared in nine games for the Hawks in 2023-24 but none this season, as an ankle injury hampered him.
Lundy is a 3-D wing. The 24-year-old has shown the ability to have explosive scoring games in college and G-League (20 point average in 2023-24), but he loves launching shots from deep. He is a decent rebounder and is active defensively.
Like Beauchamp, Baldwin Jr. is a former first-round pick who has struggled in the NBA. The 22-year-old is with his fourth franchise since being selected with the No. 28 pick in 2022 by Golden State. However, he never played for San Antonio after the Spurs acquired him at the trade deadline from Washington as part of the Kyle Kuzma four-team trade.
Baldwin is a big wing who showed some promise in his 101 minutes over 20 games with the Wizards this year. Still just 22, Baldwin averaged 2.1 points and 1.0 rebounds with the Wizards this year, though he shot 51.5% from the field and 50% from deep. He has appeared in 91 career NBA contests.
Following his release by the Spurs, the San Diego Clippers claimed Baldwin. Baldwin has been impressive in the early going with San Diego, scoring at least 15 points in all four appearances while averaging 15 points and 3.5 threes while shooting 51.7/40.0/60.
Jones inked a two-way deal with Los Angeles this summer to provide the Clippers depth at the five. The athletic 24-year-old appeared in 25 contests but only saw eight minutes of action for the Clips since January 19.
What Does The Transactions Mean For The Clippers Future?
Not sure if these transactions mean anything, going for the Clippers. While the Clippers obviously like Miller’s game and have high hopes for his continued development. The remainder of his contract is nonguaranteed.
Miller is likely an insurance policy for next season. Los Angeles has 12 players under contract for next season, though there are many moving parts. James Harden has a $36.3 million player option. Nic Batum also has a player option ($4.9 million), while Amir Coffey, Patty Mills, and Ben Simmons are unrestricted free agents.
If Harden exercises his option, which seems very likely, the Clippers’ cap hit would be $172.8 million. That would leave the Clippers $15 million to operate if they want to avoid the luxury tax. They would also theoretically have nearly $35 million to spend and remain the NBA’s second tax apron. Miller and Drew Eubanks’ contracts are not guaranteed for next season.
Lundy and Baldwin are slated for restricted free agency in the offseason, unless their contracts are for two years. Don’t expect either player to earn a standard deal with the Clippers next season.
Photo Courtesy of © Kiyoshi Mio, Imagn Images
