The Los Angeles Clippers have waived guard Cam Christie, the team's 2024 second-round draft pick, before his $2.3 million salary guarantee date. The move was confirmed by multiple league sources as the Clippers continue to refine their roster ahead of the regular season. This decision follows a busy preseason slate, including a 122-110 victory over the Denver Nuggets on October 14.
The Clippers selected Christie with the 46th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He spent the last two seasons with the organization, recently turning 21 years old. Throughout training camp and the preseason, Christie was competing for a final roster spot. His contract included a specific date where his salary for the season would become fully guaranteed. The team opted to waive him before reaching that financial deadline.
Christie showed some promising flashes during his time with the Clippers. At 6-foot-6, he possesses good size for a guard and demonstrated an ability to knock down perimeter shots. Those tools made him an intriguing developmental prospect. His departure opens up a roster spot and potentially a two-way contract slot for Los Angeles as they prepare for their next preseason fixture.
Roster management and financial flexibility are key drivers here. The approaching guarantee date forced a decision. By waiving Christie now, the Clippers avoid locking in his $2.3 million salary for the year. This gives the front office more options as they shape the team around their core veterans. The move indicates the coaching staff saw other players as better fits for the immediate rotation.
It's a common but tough part of the business for young players on non-guaranteed deals. The team's preseason performance, which includes a 122-110 win over Denver, a 114-106 loss to Toronto, and a 104-101 victory against Golden State, provided the final evaluation grounds. Christie's brother, Max Christie, plays for the cross-town rival Los Angeles Lakers, adding a notable family subplot to the news.
Christie is now an unrestricted free agent and will look to catch on with another NBA team. His combination of youth, shooting potential, and wing size could attract interest from clubs willing to invest in his development. He may also be a candidate for a G League assignment if he doesn't immediately land another NBA deal.
For the Clippers, attention turns fully to the regular season. They have one more preseason outing, a home game against the Sacramento Kings on October 21, before games start to count. The Christie decision is part of the final tuning process. It allows them to potentially add a different player via free agency or to maintain flexibility for future moves during the long NBA campaign. The focus is now on building chemistry with the group that will open the season.
