The Oklahoma City Thunder and forward Patrick Patterson have agreed to a buyout for $5.7 million of the final season of his contract, allowing him to become a free agent, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The veteran stretch-four intends to sign with the LA Clippers upon clearing waivers.

Patterson could have once again found himself buried in the depth chart after the team obtained Danilo Gallinari in the Russell Westbrook trade and signed Mike Muscala in free agency. OKC also re-signed Nerlens Noel to a deal, which only limited any potential of seeing active minutes at the five-spot.

Patterson could be in a similar position with the Clippers, but does have the added benefit of joining a contender and the possibility of becoming an NBA champion by season's end.

JaMychal Green is projected to be the primary backup to potential starter Montrezl Harrell, which would push Patterson to third-string minutes at power forward, but there is the potential for the veteran marksman to see minutes in speed-five lineups that favor open shooters.

The Thunder are looking to only keep players they can develop on their roster, now most likely prepared to bring Chris Paul into the 2019-20 season and potentially flip him by the trade deadline once teams start getting some sense of urgency in their veins.

The Clippers are yet again loading up with quality depth, building on a bench that was already among the best last season, when they took the Golden State Warriors to six games in the first round.