2018 NBA free agency grades: Clippers bring back Luc Mbah a Moute

Luc Mbah a Moute will once again be sporting a Los Angeles Clippers uniform, but will this reunion last longer than the first one?

The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to a deal with forward Luc Mbah a Moute worth one-year, $4.3 million, per ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski. Mbah a Moute spent two seasons with the Clippers before spending last season with the Houston Rockets.

The 31-year-old has been on several teams after spending his first five seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. Since then, he’s had stints with the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Clippers and Rockets.

Mbah a Moute averaged 7.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game during the 2017-18 campaign. His defense and ability to guard multiple positions helped Houston as it won an NBA-best 65 games.

He was limited to 61 games during the regular season after suffering a dislocated right shoulder in January. He re-injured his shoulder late in the season and missed the first round of the playoffs.

Although he’s known mostly for his defensive versatility, Mbah a Moute was respectable on offense. He was skilled around the rim, shooting 48.1 percent from the field. He was also able to stretch the floor at 36.4 percent from 3-point range.

On Nov. 22, Mbah a Moute set an NBA record for single-game plus-minus against the Denver Nuggets. He finished +57 in 26 minutes of play, as the Rockets won 125-95.

Despite his age, he still showed flashes of his athleticism on drives to the rim. He also boasts a high basketball IQ, easily making plays on both sides of the ball.

The Clippers have had a quiet free agency. The only notable moves they’ve made were trading away Austin Rivers for center Marcin Gortat and retaining Avery Bradley. The team also signed forward Mike Scott.

Mbah a Moute fits in L.A. as the primary backup behind starters Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari. He joins a Clippers defensive second-unit that may feature Bradley and Patrick Beverley.

More from LA Clippers

• NBA Trades: This wild Mavs, Clippers, and 76ers deal must happen ASAP
• Ranking the 10 championship-less NBA teams by closeness to title
• Can the Clippers realistically sign Chris Paul after shocking waive news?
• NBA Rumors: This playoff team is now the leader to land Westbrook
• NBA Rumors: Westbrook may have played his final game for the Clippers

He’s another veteran that helps the team develop their young core while maintaining a winning culture. He also allows the team the option of moving on from restricted free agent Montrezl Harrell.

The only major concern surrounding Mbah a Moute is his health. His shoulder has become a more serious issue in recent years and could continue to nag him.

Despite this, his contract, worth half of the Clippers’ mid-level exception, is a steal. The fact that it’s a one-year deal also indicates that the Clippers can try and package Mbah a Moute at the trade deadline if the team ends up out of the playoff race.

The Western Conference is tougher than ever, with LeBron James joining the Pacific Division and most playoff teams keeping their cores in tact . Even the lottery teams are preparing to become more competitive, with four of the top five picks being from the West.

The Clippers know they are getting a versatile, two-way player that helps fill a hole of the roster. He can help create a professional environment as the team struggles through a potential rebuild year. Mbah a Moute is also on a movable contract, and can help bring in other assets from contenders looking to add depth.

Next: 2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

Grade: B+