Keith Smith of Spotrac and Andrew Greif of the LA Times reported today that the Clippers gave Moussa Diabate a two-way qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent.
This was expected, but still a check mark the Clippers had to tick before free agency. Moussa was the 43rd pick in last year’s draft, and spent most of the season in the G-League, where he earned 1st Team All-Rookie honors for the Ontario Clippers. In 22 games in the NBA, Moussa averaged 2.7 points and 2.3 rebounds while showing flashes of potential on defense.
Just 21 years old, Moussa is one of the most promising of the Clippers’ young guys due to his athleticism, motor, and latent defensive abilities. As a restricted two-way free agent, he could take the qualifying offer and come back on a two-way. Perhaps slightly more likely is that the Clippers sign him to a regular NBA deal to get him on the 15 man roster and not have to worry about his games played number, even if he still spends a lot of next season in the G-League.
It’s not a stone cold lock that Moussa Diabate is back with the Clippers next year, but it’s extremely likely after this qualifying offer was tendered – he might be one of the most likely guys to stick around of anyone on the roster. Hopefully he plays more in the NBA next year!