The Los Angeles Clippers are poised to sign free agent Braxton Key, as confirmed by a team source and reported by Law Murray of The Athletic.
Key, a 27-year-old small forward, spent the last season with the Denver Nuggets, where he was on a two-way contract.
While his playing time in the NBA was limited – he appeared in only 20 games – he made a significant impact in the G League.
During eight regular season games with the Grand Rapids Gold, Key averaged an impressive 20.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, demonstrating his potential as a valuable player.
Key’s professional journey began with the Philadelphia 76ers after he went undrafted out of the University of Virginia in 2020.
His time in Philadelphia was followed by a stint with the Detroit Pistons, but he faced challenges that led to his waiver in December 2022.
Throughout his NBA career, Key has played in a total of 34 games, averaging 3.1 points and 2.0 rebounds in approximately 7.8 minutes per game.
With the Clippers, Key is expected to sign an Exhibit 10 contract, which not only allows him a chance to showcase his skills with the team but also qualifies him for a bonus of up to $77,500 if he spends at least 60 days with the Clippers’ G League affiliate in San Diego.
This strategic move will enable him to develop further while also providing the Clippers with additional depth in their roster.
Key’s signing comes as a result of the team waiving Nate Darling earlier in the day, meaning that no further roster adjustments will be needed.
Once Key’s contract is finalized, the Clippers will return to the offseason limit of 21 players, allowing them to maintain a competitive roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.
This addition reflects the Clippers’ ongoing commitment to strengthening their squad and exploring talent that can contribute to their ambitions in the league.
Braxton Key To Sign With Clippers https://t.co/GZDURPuXKi pic.twitter.com/zAJPLCMroC
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 13, 2024
