Guard Jalen Pickett, who spent the past three seasons with the Denver Nuggets, has reportedly agreed to a two-way contract with the Clippers, according to HoopsHype.
Pickett, 26, gives the team another outside threat, having shot 38.7% and posted 4.0 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists with the Nuggets, joining Darius Garland, who led the team at 43.8% from 3-point range, and Kobe Sanders, who made 40.8% of his long-range shots.
The Indiana Pacers selected the playmaker out of Penn State with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft and traded his draft rights to the Nuggets.
The deal gives the Clippers added depth in the backcourt and reunites him with fellow Penn State alum Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who had a breakout rookie season before suffering a season-ending Lisfranc injury in his right foot.
The Clippers are reportedly eyeing another Nuggets player, Peyton Watson, a 23-year-old restricted free agent who is considered one of the best players on the market, but his signing would come at a cost. The former Long Beach Poly and UCLA standout is seeking more than his current contract of $14 million a year, something that has caused negotiations to stall with the Nuggets.
The Clippers would need a sign-and-trade deal to land Watson. Given the team’s uncertainty surrounding the paused trade involving Kawhi Leonard, it might not be willing to give up much in draft picks and players.