In addition to today’s decisions on Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Brandon Boston, the Clippers took two smaller steps: declining the team option on Kai Jones and not tendering a qualifying offer to Moussa Diabate. Both of these actions make those players unrestricted free agents.
Unlike in Boston, the path for Moussa and Kai appears to be fairly open, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. Moussa has only played two years in the NBA, meaning he can still sign another two-way contract (Xavier Moon, who the Clippers also did not sign a qualifying offer to, cannot). As a result, right now Jordan Miller is the only player signed to a two-way contract, while Trentyn Flowers and other Clippers summer league players are battling for the final two spots. It’s also possible that Miller could get a full roster spot, as he had a stellar G-League season and is an older talent.
Jones hasn’t played at all for the Clippers since signing his contract at the end of last season, but the Clippers seemed to enjoy having him simply be part of the team during the playoffs.
Moussa and Jones have no restrictions at all, so it’s possible another team could offer them a two-way or even an NBA roster spot and that’s it. Based on their track record, I don’t think that option is very likely, so I’m guessing we’ll see both guys on the Clippers’ Summer League team and then probably in training camp.
Overall, the Clippers’ board is now in a good position heading into free agency. Kawhi, Norm, Zu, Terance, Russ, Amir, Bones, PJ and Kobe are all on regular contracts, Jordan Miller is on a two-way contract and everyone else from last season’s team is free agents. Let free agency begin!
