Filip Petrusev is reportedly on the move once again.
According to ESPN's sources, the Los Angeles Clippers will trade the former Gonzaga Bulldogs standout to the Sacramento Kings to preserve roster flexibility. Petrusev arrived in LA as part of the James Harden trade earlier this week, though The Athletic's Law Murray reported that Petrusev's future with the Clippers was in question upon arrival.
Petrusev, 23, was taken in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. As a draft-and-stash prospect, the Serbian forward played two seasons in Europe, winning a league MVP with KK Mega basket of the Adriatic Basketball Association. Petrusev returned to the 76ers for the 2023 Summer League, where he averaged 10.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in five outings.
Petrusev appeared in just one game for the 76ers before being dealt to the Clippers on Monday night. He has two years left on his partially guaranteed contract and is set to make $1.1 million this season. If he remains on the roster by Jan. 7, his contract will be paid in full.
Petrusev joins a Kings team that is fresh off its first playoff appearance in 16 seasons. He'll unite with former Gonzaga star Domantas Sabonis in the frontcourt, though it's unclear how many opportunities he'll receive. Sacramento has four players listed at 6-foot-9 or taller.
At Gonzaga, Petrusev was named West Coast Conference Player of the Year as a sophomore in 2019-20, leading the conference in field goal percentage (56.2%), free-throw attempts (238) and player efficiency rating (30.5).
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