Clippers Buy A Prospect From Nuggets

Keith Smith
Keith Smith, Resident NBA ExpertFebruary 10, 2024
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The LA Clippers made their big trade early in the season when the acquired James Harden. That led to a quiet deadline, but LA made good use of the last time they’ll be able to “buy” a player using cash for a while.

Here are the particulars:

LA Clippers acquire: Draft Rights For Ismael Kamagate

Denver Nuggets acquire: Cash Considerations

Let’s dive in!

LA Clippers

Incoming salary: None

  • None

Outgoing salary: None

  • None

Because they are likely to continue to be a second apron team for the foreseeable future, the LA Clippers days of using cash to “buy” a player were limited. LA made good use of that last chance to take a flyer on a big man prospect.

Ismael Kamagate was someone scouts were somewhat high on at the 2022 NBA Draft. When he ultimately landed with the Denver Nuggets, some even dreamed he could undergo a path similar to that of fellow second-round pick Nikola Jokic. Those dreams ended somewhat quickly.

Kamagate is big and athletic, but he’s stalled out a bit as a prospect. The 6-foot-11 Frenchman moved from France to Italy this season, and he hasn’t played quite as well.

In his last two years in France, Kamagate started in 60 of 88 games for Paris Basketball. The young center averaged 10.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks during that period. He showed off good athleticism and nice touch around the rim. Kamagate also flashed some impressive defensive ability too.

This season, Kamagate has largely come off the bench for two different teams in Italy. He played minimal minutes for Milan before being loaned to Tortona for the rest of the season. Kamagate has seen his playing time go up with Tortona, so there’s some hope he’ll get back on track as an NBA prospect.

For the Clippers, being a second apron team means they’ll largely have to build their roster through re-signing their own players (that work is under way with Kawhi Leonard extending, on-going extension talks for Paul George and every intention of re-signing James Harden this summer), the draft and minimum contracts. Adding a prospect like Kamagate gives LA something in reserve for down-the-line frontcourt depth.

Denver Nuggets

Incoming salary: None

  • None

Outgoing salary: None

  • None

The Nuggets have selected several prospects in the last couple of drafts. Because of that, Denver was comfortable selling Kamagate’s draft rights to the Clippers.

Given Denver’s status as the reigning champs, and being a contender for years to come, they’re more likely to want a veteran backup in place for the minutes behind Nikola Jokic. That, combined with Kamagate’s recent inconsistent play, also likely factored into their willingness to move on from the young center.

Plus, adding a little cash to the ownership group’s pockets helps soften the blow of an impending luxury tax bill. But raising a banner makes that all worth it in Denver.

 


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