The LA Clippers got themselves an additional roster spot ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline by sending 2019’s first-round pick Mfiondu Kabengele to Sacramento Kings.
The trade will see Clippers giving up Kabengele, a conditional second-rounder, and cash consideration while receiving a heavily-protected second-round selection from Sacramento.
The team officially announced the move on social media on Tuesday.
Trading Kabengele not only opened a roster spot for the Clippers but also allowed them to get under the hard cap. By avoiding hard cap, they now don’t have to wait until March 30th to sign new players and can immediately make roster additions via buyout market or trades.
The Kings got to use their trade exception that was set to expire at the end of the week. They will also have an opportunity to evaluate Kabengele and see if he fits with their young core.
Mfiondu Kabengele, who has Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo as his uncle, averaged 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in two years of college ball with Florida State. He was initially selected No.27 in the 2019 NBA Draft by Brooklyn Nets but ended up being traded to the Clippers shortly after.
Kabengele played 35 games in Clippers’ jersey, spending 4.5 minutes on the floor on average and managing 2.0 points per contest.
