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LA Clippers Rumors: Clips trade Derrick Walton Jr. to open roster spot

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Derrick Walton Jr. #10 of the LA Clippers smiles before the game against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Derrick Walton Jr. #10 of the LA Clippers smiles before the game against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The LA Clippers have reportedly traded Derrick Walton Jr. to the Atlanta Hawks for cash. This move opens up a roster spot for the Clippers.

The LA Clippers have made their first trade of the day. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, they have traded young guard Derrick Walton Jr. to the Atlanta Hawks for cash and a second-round pick.

This move seems like the first of something bigger. According to Bobby Marks, the deal not only opens up a roster spot for the Clippers but also gives the team a $1.55 million trade exception.

What comes next for the Clippers? Who knows. There is still a little over two hours left before the trade deadline, so there could be another unannounced trade in the works. This move could just be the only trade of the day for the Clippers as they try and open a roster spot for someone who becomes available on the buyout market.

Darren Collison has been the main name linked to the team should they pursue him after the deadline. Collison has indicated that he may return to the NBA after stepping away last season. He will reportedly choose between one of the two Los Angeles teams. We don’t think he’d necessarily be the best choice but the team could feel differently.

Walton had been a nice story for the Clippers this season. After not really sticking in the league, he was able to get his first start with the team and showed some promise. He even passed second-year player Jerome Robinson and rookie Terance Mann in the rotation at one point. His stats don’t show it (2.2 points on 47.2% shooting, 1.0 assists, and 0.7 rebounds) but the eye test proved he could still possibly find a spot in the NBA. It’s reportedly unlikely that the Hawks hold on to Walton so hopefully, he is able to bounce back and find a team to join.

Next. Losing Iguodala to Miami is best-case scenario for the Clippers. dark

As stated above, this may just be the first of multiple moves for the LA Clippers today so make sure you are following along with us on Twitter and are checking back here for all your rumors, news, and updates!

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