newsweek
The Los Angeles Clippers are set to bolster their backcourt by re-signing guard Blake Wesley to a 10-day contract, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal, made possible through an injury hardship exception, brings back a player the team recently released.
Wesley initially signed with the Clippers in September on a training camp invitation, aiming to secure a regular-season roster spot. However, the 23-year-old was waived on October 17 when Los Angeles finalized its opening-night lineup. Now, just under two weeks later, he gets another opportunity with the franchise.
The former Notre Dame standout was selected 25th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2022 NBA Draft. He spent his first three professional seasons in San Antonio, appearing in 156 regular-season games primarily as a reserve guard. Before the 2025-26 campaign, Wesley moved to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in 31 games while shooting 45.2% from the field.
Although Wesley has yet to establish a consistent NBA role, he offers experience and depth to a Clippers squad currently dealing with injuries. The injury hardship exception permits teams facing qualifying roster shortages to temporarily add a player beyond the standard limit, providing flexibility while injured players remain sidelined.
Key Analysis
For Los Angeles, this move adds a backcourt option without a long-term commitment. Wesley's defensive abilities, pace-pushing, and secondary ball-handling could help him compete for minutes during this brief stint. The 10-day agreement also allows the Clippers to evaluate whether he can contribute beyond the immediate injury concerns. After failing to make the opening-night roster, Wesley now has a chance to alter that assessment and prove he belongs at the NBA level.
Originally reported by newsweek.