Sources say Daniel Theis will join the Clippers after the Pacers buyout

Theis is expected to clear waivers on Friday and could join a Clippers team that is reeling from six straight losses since acquiring James Harden.

Theis will fill the Clippers’ need for frontcourt size as they wait for backup quarterback Mason Plumlee to return from a right knee injury. Theis had $7.8 million remaining on his $9.1 million contract with the Pacers and would sign at the veteran’s prorated minimum of $2.1 million, sources said.

The Clippers will have 15 guaranteed roster spots, including two-way guard Josh Primeau who is signing an NBA-record contract through 2024-25, according to sources.

Theis (31 years old) appeared in one game this season for the Pacers, as he came out of the front court for a young team playing at a high pace. He averaged 7.5 points and 4.9 rebounds over parts of seven seasons with the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Pacers.

The best of Theis’ postseason career with the Celtics came in 2020 when he started 17 games and averaged 8.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.