Clippers sign two former top-six draft picks

The Los Angeles Clippers have used the offseason to restructure 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 have no intention of rebuilding.

Two more free agent signings were announced for Los Angeles on Monday night. 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 say. @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. photo.twitter.com/Xuli91FrGj

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 2, 2024

Free agent Mo Bamba has signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. photo.twitter.com/slB6wJkGvp

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2024

Clippers sign two former top-six draft picks

Kris Dunn has regained value after being seen as a draft failure

While he has yet to fully live up to his draft promise (selected fifth overall in 2016), Dunn has shown his worth over the past two seasons with the Utah Jazz. In 66 games (32 starts) last season, the 29-year-old point guard averaged 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals in 18.9 minutes. At 6-foot-3, Dunn has always been seen as an excellent perimeter defender.

The deal is for one year, but terms are unknown. Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer has reported that the Clippers are seeking sign-and-trade talks with Utah to potentially offer Dunn more money. With reports that Russell Westbrook is unlikely to play for Los Angeles anymore, Dunn will become their backup point guard.

The Clippers have been reported to be exploring options to bring Kris Dunn from Utah to Los Angeles via a sign-and-trade.

—Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 2, 2024

Mo Bamba is coming off his lowest playing time ever

Like Dunn, the 26-year-old Bamba was a high draft pick (sixth overall in 2018). The 7-foot-10 center is coming off a 2023-24 season with the 76ers, where he saw the least amount of playing time of his career. In 13.0 minutes per game, Bamba averaged 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. He saw no playing time in Philadelphia’s first-round matchup against the New York Knicks.

Bamba’s new deal is for one year and will pay the veteran a minimum of $2.61 million. The Clippers are in need of a backup big man with Mason Plumlee set to sign with the Phoenix Suns and Daniel Theis unsigned.