Former Clemson player McDaniels explores free agency

K.J. McDaniels’ first foray in NBA free agency began early Wednesday morning with one offer already in hand.

Houston made a qualifying offer Tuesday for $1.045 million, according to ESPN. He was traded from the Sixers to the Rockets in February for a player (Isaiah Canaan) and a second-round pick. The All-ACC wing missed action late in the season with a non-displaced fracture in his elbow.

Over 62 games McDaniels averaged 7.9 points with 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, playing the bulk of the minutes with Philadelphia.

NBA.com’s David Aldridge says the former Clemson star could be a fit in LA for the Lakers:

“The 22-year-old McDaniels, sent to the Rockets from Philly at the trade deadline, is worth dropping a sheet on. The former second-round pick of the 76ers last year famously rejected a long-term deal with Phily, opting to sign for one year and bet that he'd outperform the typical second-rounder's deal. After some ridiculous flights of athletic fancy in Philly (and not so many with the Rockets), he appears to be right. And the Lakers should gamble on him. McDaniels has legit two-way potential as a wing player.”

Aldridge reports that the Lakers have the money to win a bidding war with Houston.

McDaniels and other free agents can negotiate contracts from July 1-8 and officially sign starting July 9.

Fellow Clemson product Trevor Booker is going into a contract year with the Utah Jazz – set to complete a nearly $10 million deal (9,775,000 per Spotrac.com).