The Sacramento Kings acquired LA Clippers forward Mfiondu Kabengele and cash for a heavily protected future second-round pick, sources told ESPN.
With the deal, the Clippers created an open roster spot ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline and eventual free agent buyout market, with $ 2.6 million falling below the hard limit. Under the hardcap constraints, the Clippers had to wait until March 30 to sign a player. Now there are no restrictions on the use of the team’s two open roster spaces.
The kings included Kabengele in a trade exception that would have expired on Monday.
Kabengele, a six-foot forward from Florida, was the 27th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He played sparingly with the Clippers in two seasons, competing in 35 games, and averaging 4.5 minutes in. a veteran-driven team.
The kings will now have the opportunity to take a closer look at Kabengele during the rest of the 2020-2021 season. The Clippers declined his option for the third year prior to the season.
Bobby Marks, ESPN’s front office insider, contributed to this report.