NBA Rumors: Clippers Make It 14 Guaranteed Contracts, Sign Forward

Oklahoma City Thunder and forward Patrick Patterson have agreed on a buyout for the final year of his contract which will make him a free agent. The 30-year-old was entering the final year of three-year $16.4 million deal he signed in July 2017.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the buyout between Patterson and Thunder and revealed that the forward will look to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers once his $5.7 million salary clears waivers. Patterson played 63 games for Thunder last season, averaging 3.6 points and 2.3 rebounds in 13.7 minutes per game.

“Oklahoma City and forward Patrick Patterson have agreed to a buyout on the final season of his contract, allowing him to become a free agent, league sources tell ESPN,” Wojnarowski wrote, and then added: “Once his $5.7 million salary clears waivers, Patterson’s intention is to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.”

The Clippers only have the capacity to add players on the veteran minimum contract and Patterson will be on a one-year contract worth $2.3 million with a $1.6 million cap hit. The nine-year NBA veteran will provide experience from the bench to the team that is now considered the favorites for the 2020 NBA championship following the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard in free agency and Paul George via trade.

Patterson has also spent time with Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors during his nine years in the NBA and his acquisition will make it 14 guaranteed contracts for the Clippers leaving one roster spot open to fill.

“LAC is left with the vet minimum exception- Patterson has 9 years of service- $2.3M with a $1.6M cap hit. The Clippers will now have 14 guaranteed contracts,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote adding to the information about Patterson joining the Clippers.