Clippers Plan to Keep Ingram After Leonard Trade
Jake Fischer reports the Clippers intend to retain Brandon Ingram following the Kawhi Leonard trade, which is delayed due to front office reorganization.
The LA Clippers plan to hold onto Brandon Ingram for the foreseeable future once their trade for Kawhi Leonard with Toronto is finalized, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report. The trade itself is currently on hold as the Clippers reorganize their front office following recent league sanctions.
Fischer stated on a Bleacher Report live stream that the Clippers have informed the Raptors and involved players they are not ready to complete the deal. "I don't think that's anything being discussed at this moment right now (regarding Ingram)," Fischer said. He added that while the team could potentially move Ingram later in the season, there is no current indication they are actively shopping the forward.
Ingram's Status and Value
Brandon Ingram has been working out at the Clippers' facility in Los Angeles. Fischer notes there is an expectation the Leonard trade will eventually be completed as originally constructed. Coming off an All-Star season with the Raptors where he averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 77 games, Fischer states Ingram possesses "some re-trade value" for Los Angeles.
Pacific Division Injury Updates
ESPN's Anthony Slater provided updates on several injured stars across the league, including Golden State's Jimmy Butler. League sources tell Slater that Butler, recovering from a torn ACL, has shown "notable progress" but still faces significant rehab. He will be limited to strength work and individual drills when Warriors training camp opens later this month. Slater calls a potential return in January or February "an optimistic target," noting Butler must hit numerous checkpoints first.
Slater also reports, via league sources, that Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. Sabonis underwent season-ending surgery in February to repair a partially torn left meniscus. He skipped playing for Lithuania in last month's FIBA World Cup qualifiers to focus on finishing his rehabilitation.
Kings' Roster and Contract Notes
Despite Sacramento exploring trade possibilities involving Domantas Sabonis this summer, and the player's reported willingness to be moved, Slater confirms it is anticipated he will be the team's starting center when the season begins.
In other Kings news, Ben Simmons's non-guaranteed veteran's minimum contract includes a $1 million partial guarantee if he remains on the roster on opening night, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Speaking on Sactown Sports 1140, Simmons's godfather and former coach David Patrick expressed optimism about the guard's latest comeback attempt after a year and a half away from the NBA. "Being off a year and a half gives you a new lease on life, so to speak," Patrick said. "It also takes less miles off your body, so he's 30, but he's basically a year and a half off for the pounding of the NBA, and I think his hunger for the game is back."
