Australian basketball legend Patty Mills has been traded for the fourth time since July 2023, with the Utah Jazz dealing the 36-year-old to the Los Angeles Clippers early Sunday morning (AEDT).
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ESPN insider Shams Charania reported the Jazz dealt big man Drew Eubanks and Mills to the playoff-contending Clippers in exchange for forward PJ Tucker, centre Mo Bamba, a future second-round draft pick and cash.
Twenty-eight-year-old Eubanks is the central piece of the deal, with the 28-20 Clippers — who have exceeded most external expectations this season — making a notable pre-deadline move to bolster their frontcourt depth amid a run towards the post-season.
Eubanks’ current contract extends through 2025-26, and he is guaranteed to make US$5 million (AU$8 million) this season.
But for Australian followers of the sport, Mills is the focus. The 16-year, 909-game veteran guard, in limited off-the-bench action for Utah, averaged 4.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 17 games.
The Canberran has an expiring contract, making it easy for the Western Conference cellar-dwellers to include him as surrounding framework to complete the deal.
Mills is guaranteed US$3.3 million — AU$5.3 million — this year, but his NBA future beyond season 2024-25 is uncertain.
His best season came in 2021-22 with the Brooklyn Nets, when he averaged 11.4 points on 40 per cent three-point shooting and 2.3 assists in a career-high 29.0 minutes per game.
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