The Los Angeles Clippers have strategically added four promising talents to their roster, signing Patrick Baldwin Jr., TyTy Washington Jr., Jason Preston, and Zach Freemantle to Exhibit 10 contracts. This move provides the team with increased flexibility and competition as they prepare for the upcoming training camp. These non-guaranteed, one-year agreements are a common mechanism in the NBA, allowing franchises to bring in players who can showcase their skills with the potential for a two-way contract or a spot on the G League affiliate. This approach helps teams evaluate a wider pool of talent, offering an audition for individuals striving for a long-term presence in the league.
Patrick Baldwin Jr., a 6-foot-9 forward, returns to the Clippers after a season split between the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles. Despite being a former first-round pick, Baldwin's career has seen him average 3.7 points over 93 games, indicating an ongoing development process. His presence in camp will offer the Clippers a chance to further assess his potential contributions.
TyTy Washington Jr., a 6-foot-3 guard, brings experience from stints with the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns. Known for his scoring and playmaking abilities, Washington Jr. has recorded averages of 3.3 points and 1.2 assists in 58 career contests. His signing suggests the Clippers are looking to enhance their backcourt depth and playmaking options.
Jason Preston, another 6-foot-3 guard, is a familiar face to Clippers fans, having spent his rookie season (2022-23) with the team before joining the Utah Jazz last season. In limited minutes across 21 NBA appearances, Preston averaged 2.5 points and 2.0 assists. His return to the Clippers underscores the team's interest in his ongoing development and potential fit within their system.
Rounding out the quartet is Zach Freemantle, an undrafted rookie forward from Xavier. At 6-foot-9, Freemantle adds frontcourt depth, having showcased solid collegiate performance with averages of 12.9 points and 6.5 rebounds over five seasons, along with an impressive 51% field goal efficiency. These Exhibit 10 signings allow the Clippers to cultivate talent and secure rights to players who might contribute to their G League affiliate, the Ontario Clippers, offering a pipeline for future NBA prospects.
Ultimately, these Exhibit 10 contracts signify a strategic investment in player development and organizational depth for the Los Angeles Clippers. By bringing in a mix of experienced players and promising rookies, the team aims to foster a competitive environment during training camp, which could lead to unexpected discoveries and strengthen both their main roster and their G League affiliate, the Ontario Clippers, for the seasons to come.
