The Los Angeles Clippers have been in the spotlight all summer because of the investigation involving Kawhi Leonard. However, throughout that time, the team has also faced a roster crunch, with more players under contract than the league allows.
To create room on the roster, the Clippers finally made a move Wednesday by waiving Cam Christie, a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
“The Los Angeles Clippers are waiving Cam Christie, league sources told hoopshype. Christie had a $2.30 million salary guarantee date that was approaching. Christie, who recently turned 21, was the 46th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft and spent the past two seasons with the Clippers,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto wrote.
When Christie was drafted, the Clippers had plans for his development, but those plans did not work out as hoped. He struggled to develop and establish a consistent role with the team.
“Christie was the 46th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and a guy the Clippers were excited to select with their pick. But in the two seasons he's been with the franchise, he's been unable to make strides large enough to warrant an increase in minutes. Aside from that, there weren't many minutes available to him to play, learn through his mistakes, and develop as the Clippers attempted to compete for a deep playoff run,” ClutchPoints’ Tomar Azarly wrote.
Cam Christie is the younger brother of former Los Angeles Lakers guard and current Dallas Maverick Max Christie. The two brothers have already had the opportunity to face each other in an NBA game.
“That's because Christie had the opportunity to face off against his older brother, Max, and the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time as opponents. Cam checked in with 27 seconds left in the game, with the Clippers sporting a 15-point lead over the Lakers,” Rookie Wire’s Cody Taylor wrote.
Although Christie's time with the Clippers may be over, he could still have opportunities to continue his career. He could pursue a two-way contract with Los Angeles or another team, and another franchise could also claim him off waivers.
It is unfortunate that Christie is being waived at such a young age, but it is part of the harsh reality of the NBA business. There are still opportunities available to him, so this move does not necessarily mean his NBA career is over.
