NBA trade update: 6-foot-5 guard returns to LA Clippers on a two-way contract in a surprising roster move

The Los Angeles Clippers have brought Cam Christie back on a two-way contract, just days after waiving him. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the agreement on Friday. The 21-year-old guard cleared waivers and is back with the club that drafted the Minnesota product in 2024. It is a quick reversal for a player who appeared in 55 games last season and enters a third year in Los Angeles. Defense is what Christie is known for, and the Clippers clearly still value it. The new deal arrives with opening week around the corner.Why did the Clippers bring back Cam Christie on a two-way deal?Clearing waivers made the reunion possible. No other team claimed the 6-foot-5 guard, so Los Angeles was free to sign Christie again on new terms. Charania reported both moves, the waiver early in the week and the new contract on Friday.Coach Ty Lue singled out Christie’s “elite defense” last season, and the two-way contract keeps that skill in the organization. Los Angeles took Christie 46th overall in 2024, the 16th selection of the second round. The debut came on Dec. 4 of that year, and the career total is 68 NBA games.Christie’s brother, Max, also plays in the NBA.At 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, Christie shoots right-handed and was born July 24, 2005, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Rolling Meadows High School and Minnesota came before the draft.What role can Christie fill for the Clippers this season?Christie played 55 games last season and never started one, averaging 8.7 minutes, 2.8 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.6 assists. Shooting was a struggle, with 38.1 percent from the field and 24.5 percent from three, where the guard went 12 for 49. Free throws were the steadier number at 76 percent.The rookie year was smaller still. Christie logged 13 games and 4.5 minutes a night in 2024-25, and one game against Portland last season brought a single minute.Career highs sit at 17 points and nine rebounds. Stretch the work to 36 minutes and the line looks better: 11.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists. A statistical projection for 2026-27 goes higher on scoring, at 13.4 points per 36 minutes.The defensive reputation has not shown up in last season’s advanced numbers. Defensive box plus-minus came in at minus-1.1 over 480 minutes, though it is a small sample.Minor injuries added to the picture. Right foot soreness kept Christie out of one game against Oklahoma City, and ankle and abdominal issues put the guard on the questionable list before games against Detroit and Chicago. Christie was cleared for both.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.