The Los Angeles Clippers have waived Cam Christie, ending the young forward's current stint with the team as they manage their roster of guaranteed contracts.
The move, announced Wednesday, October 14, came just before his $2.3 million contract was set to become fully guaranteed, according to BasketNews and ESPN's Shams Charania.
Christie, selected 46th overall by the Clippers in the 2024 NBA Draft, spent two seasons with the franchise and appeared in 68 games.
He remains eligible for a two-way contract, according to BasketNews, leaving open the possibility that Los Angeles could retain him under a different arrangement.
Limited Offense and Crowded Backcourt
The decision also reflects Christie's limited offensive production and competition for playing time in a crowded backcourt.
Yahoo Sports reported that the Clippers had several guards available, while Christie struggled to establish himself as a reliable shooter during his time with the team.
In his second NBA season, Christie played 55 games and averaged 2.8 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 8.7 minutes per game.
His shooting splits were 38% from the field, 25% from three-point range and 76% from the free-throw line, according to Yahoo Sports.
His opportunities increased from his rookie campaign, when he appeared in 13 games and averaged 1.4 points and 0.9 rebounds.
Despite receiving more playing time in his second season, he did not secure a regular role in the Clippers' rotation.
A preseason appearance against the Golden State Warriors on October 4 provided another test.
Christie played 28 minutes but made only two of eight field-goal attempts, according to Yahoo Sports, as he continued to struggle with his shooting.
Los Angeles also has several players competing for minutes in the guard rotation, including Darius Garland, Bradley Beal, Kris Dunn, Keaton Wagler, Kobe Sanders, Gradey Dick and Max Strus.
The team had also waived Yuki Kawamura, according to Yahoo Sports, as it adjusted its roster ahead of the regular season.
The Clippers were dealing with injuries affecting Bradley Beal, Jordan Miller, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Brandon Ingram, Max Strus and Kobe Sanders, Yahoo Sports reported.
Those absences could force the team to rely on smaller lineups while it navigates the opening stretch of the season.
Christie's development has been more productive in the NBA G League.
During his first season with the San Diego Clippers, he averaged 13.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists across 15 games, according to BasketNews.
In his second G League season, Christie appeared in two games and averaged 11 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Before entering the NBA, he played one college season for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Although the Clippers have waived Christie from his current contract, his two-way eligibility means the organization could still consider bringing him back.
The immediate move allows Los Angeles to manage its 15 guaranteed contracts without ruling out a future role for the 21-year-old forward.
