Report: Clippers Undecided on David Michineau's Future

After selecting David Michineau 39th overall in last month's 2016 NBA Draft, the Clippers are undecided about his future, according to Brad Turner of the LA Times:

Clippers still considering what to do with rookie David Michineau. Team may stash him back in Europe or place in D-League, per source

— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 14, 2016

Michineau showed flashes but struggled overall in the Orlando Summer League, playing 27.7 minutes per game and averaging 8.2 points and 4.2 assists.  He shot just 28.8% from the field.

The Clippers signed first-round selection Brice Johnson yesterday, and inked their other second-round prospect, Diamond Stone, today.  Michineau is now their only unsigned rookie, and they're likely to wait before making a decision on him.

The Clippers own the French point guard's exclusive draft rights, meaning that he cannot sign with any other team unless the Clippers release him.  This means that if they gave him a deal, and then waived him to free up a roster spot, he'd be a free agent.  However, if they just never sign him, they continue to be the only team he's allowed to join.

With the recent additions of Johnson, Stone, and Marreese Speights on guaranteed contracts, the Clippers now have a total of 13 guaranteed deals on the books for next season.  Branden Dawson's non-guaranteed deal and David Michineau's draft rights are currently slotted in to slots 14 and 15, but neither is a sure bet to make the team.  Doc Rivers could pursue a veteran point guard and combo forward to help the Clippers with depth this season, and worry about the young guys later.  With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin both entering contract years, the Clippers can't afford to sacrifice short-term depth so they can develop long-shot second round picks.

If the Clippers choose to not offer Michineau a contract, they could send him back to France or to the NBA D-League.  In France, he could presumably re-join his elite club Chalon, and be an option for the Clippers next summer.  In the D-League, he'd be closer for an emergency call-up, but he'd also make significantly less money.  Then, as long as they never sign him to a deal this summer, they'll be the only team he can join for his rookie deal, no matter how far down the line they decide to offer it.