Clippers Free Up Roster Spot, Trading Mfiondu Kabengele and Cash to the Kings. On March 22, 2021, the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a trade with the Sacramento Kings. The Clippers send 2019 first-round pick Mfiondu Kabengele, a conditional future second-round pick, and cash considerations to Sacramento. In return, the Kings are sending a conditional future second-round pick of their own to Los Angeles, according to the NBA’s Official Release.
The Clippers traded little capital to free up a roster spot. This indicates they surely are not done making moves, but the trade deadline is quickly approaching. The Clippers will likely look to bolster their roster for another playoff run this year.
As for the Kings, this is a harmless deal for them. In the trade, they acquire some money and kick the tires on young big Mfiondu Kabengele for next to nothing. Kabengele, 23, was drafted 27th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and has averaged 4.1 minutes and 1.2 points in 23 appearances for the Clippers this season.
Kabengele may be able to find minutes in Luke Walton’s rotation for the struggling Kings, even though he couldn’t play with the Clippers. This is increasingly possible due to Kings starting forward Marvin Bagley’s recent hand injury. With Bagley sidelined for the coming weeks, Kabengele might find a chance to prove himself shortly.
