Clippers sign second-round draft pick Branden Dawson

The Clippers signed second-round draft pick Branden Dawson on Wednesday to a two-year minimum contract that includes a guaranteed first year.

The 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward impressed in the Orlando, Fla., summer league, averaging 12.8 points and 10.3 rebounds in 25.5 minutes per game while recording a double-double in three of his four games.

The Clippers paid the New Orleans Pelicans $630,000 for the rights to draft Dawson, a former Michigan State standout who finished his four-year college career as the school’s all-time leader in blocked shots.

The Clippers were also expected to officially waive reserve guard Lester Hudson on Wednesday before his contract became fully guaranteed. They have 13 players under contract for next season, two below the league maximum, and are still in discussions to add a backup power forward.