The Clippers have made probably one of their final moves of the 2023 offseason – re-sign Moussa Diabate to a two-way deal. The news was “broken” by Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, though a quick perusal on the NBA player transactions page shows that the Clippers actually re-signed him on Friday.
This was an extremely predictable move. Moussa showed flashes in the G-League last year and in limited minutes in the NBA, but the Clippers don’t have a full roster spot available for him, and he hasn’t proven enough after falling to the 46th pick in the 2022 Draft for any other team to give him a fully guaranteed deal in restricted free agency that the Clippers might not match. Thus, a return on a two-way was all but assured, especially after Moussa played only two decent games in Summer League before leaving with injury and not getting a real chance to show out.
This signing closes one of the Clippers’ three two-way spots. One other is presumably open for Jordan Miller, the 48th pick in the 2023 draft. The last one could go back to Xavier Moon if he can’t get a full NBA deal or a lucrative international contract, it could be offered to one of the Clippers’ summer league players, or it could be left open.
There’s not much business left for the Clippers’ this summer. Jason Preston’s 2023-2024 contract has a guarantee date tomorrow, so they could either decline to guarantee it and waive him, guarantee it, or push the date back. Outside of that, it’s just waiting around for a Harden, Lillard, or Siakam trade, none of which appears remotely close to happening soon.
For now, welcome back Moussa!
