LA Clippers: Kabengele Trade is a Sign of a Coming Move
On a night in which the LA Clippers came back against the Hawks on the backs of Luke Kennard and Terance Mann, the second biggest news of the day was the trade of Mfiondu Kabengele. Fi was sent to the Sacramento Kings, along with some cash and a second round pick that’ll never convey in exchange for another second round pick that’ll never convey.
Read. LA Clippers trade Mfiondu Kabengele to clear space. light
It was the worst kept secret that Fi wasn’t long for the team. His third year option was declined, so the LA Clippers had no vision of Kabengele being a long-term piece. The second year center has played in just 35 games since being drafted, averaging 2 points and 0.7 rebounds in 4.5 minutes per game.
The trading of Mfiondu Kabengele means the LA Clippers have another move in the works.
The important part about the Fi trade is that the LA Clippers are off his almost $2.1 Million cap hit, giving them $2.6 Million in room below the hard cap. They now have a bit more flexibility to add salary, either through a trade or in the buyout market.
There are also now 2 open roster spots on the LA Clippers that they can use that $2.6 Million to fill. The question now has gone from “will they make a move?” to “what move will they make?” As little as Fi has been able to contribute to this team, there’s no reason to move an expiring deal for nothing unless there’s a follow up move to be made.
I don’t know that it will be a trade, but they’ve certainly been active in asking around (and you can see our opinions on some of those rumors here). It could very well be that they know a buyout guy is about to be available and wants to come to the LA Clippers.
It could also be a current free agent. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Glenn Robinson III are available at the moment, and the LA Clippers could just be making the space to grab one or both of them. Those would be solid contributors on the Clips.
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But, on the other hand, a trade could be coming. It’s no secret that the LA Clippers think they could improve the team in the trade market. Could a deal be close to being struck? Is the Fi trade a sign that the Clips need the financial space to finalize a trade? My impression is that we’ll find out the answer to this soon. Be sure to follow along here at Clipperholics as we give you constant analysis of any trade and rumor!