The Thunder and Patrick Patterson have agreed to a buyout and the big man intends to sign with the Clippers once he clears waivers, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports (Twitter links). Oklahoma City today on its website that Patterson has been released.
Los Angeles is limited to offering the veteran’s mininum, which is roughly $2.3MM for a player with Patterson’s level of experience (nine seasons), as Bobby Marks of ESPN tweets. Patterson had one year and approximately $5.7MM left on his deal. It’s unclear how much he will give up to free himself from Oklahoma City, but it seems safe to assume that it’ll be about the same amount as he’ll earn in L.A.
If the Clippers’ new-look roster has a weakness after an eventful offseason, it would be in the frontcourt. The team re-signed JaMychal Green this offseason to play the four, but options behind him are limited. Patterson could have a place in the rotation from day one or he could simply be an addition for depth. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Maurice Harkless all have the ability to play the power forward spot, with Harkless the most likely candidate to see significant time at the position.
The Kentucky product struggled to make a real impact with OKC after signing a three-year deal with the franchise during the 2017 offseason. He finished his Thunder stint playing in 145 out of a possible 164 regular season games while averaging slightly under 15 minutes per contest. He also appeared in six playoff contests for the club.
Once Patterson clears waivers on Saturday and officially signed with the Clippers, the team will have 14 players on guaranteed contracts for the 2019/20 season.
LA Thunder + Kawhi
Clips will have Dwight soon
Does this get OKC under the tax?
Most likely not, since they’ll have to sign a replacement, but it’ll get them a little closer.
Plus they don’t need to get under the tax until the end of season. I imagine a in season trade or 2 will get them the rest of the way.
Nice addition for clips
1. Beverly. Livingstone. Shamet
2. George. Williams. Robinson
3. Leonard. Harkless. Mann
4. Green. Patterson. Kabangele
5. Zubac. Harrell
I think the Clippers should try trade Jerome Robinson and Kabangele for Mo Bamba. Bamba would be an awesome player to start at the 5 for the Clippers and he would give the team another long term piece that fits nicely.
You forgot to mention Rodney McGruder. Plus, Livingston has expressed interest in the Clips, but the Clips haven’t signed him…yet.
They definitely should tho. Livingstone would be great for the team. Not only has he been apart of a franchise that has dominated the league the last few years but he’s also that kind of Veteran leader that can help players around him. He would be a great mentor for Shamet. He can contribute on both ends of the floor as a creator or a versatile defender. Would be a great second unit ball handler next to Lou Williams