Potential LA Clippers trade options for the 2025-26 NBA season, identified prematurely
Los Angeles Clippers in Win-Now Mode: Trade Speculation Surrounds Key Players
The Los Angeles Clippers, in their quest for a championship, find themselves in a unique predicament. With a star-studded roster that includes the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and the recent acquisitions of Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and John Collins, the team is in win-now mode, and their timeline is short [1].
One of the key players drawing trade interest is Ben Simmons, who remains unsigned in free agency. His defensive versatility and playmaking abilities could be valuable for the Clippers, but his offensive concerns, injuries, and shooting liabilities have raised questions [6]. If Simmons re-signs elsewhere, the Clippers could still leverage his Bird rights or his remaining value in a trade [2].
Another potential trade candidate is shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanović. His role has become uncertain after the addition of Beal, and he could provide an offensive spark in a trade scenario [1].
Derrick Jones Jr., known for his explosive athleticism and defensive prowess, could also be a trade candidate. His contract flexibility and the abundance of wings and multi-position players on the roster may limit his opportunities [3].
Jordan Miller, who earned All-First Team honors in the Summer League, could be another trade piece. His two-way contract gives the Clippers flexibility, and they could develop him internally or flip him as a young asset with upside to another team [4].
The Clippers are facing a numbers crunch, with Kawhi, Harden, Beal, Paul, and others dominating primary minutes. Moving players like Jones early could be about more than just getting value; it could be about preserving cap flexibility in a season where apron restrictions are already tightening the screws on big-spending teams [7].
Brook Lopez, a valuable shooting and rim-protecting anchor, could also become a trade asset if LA tries to balance spacing or pare back the cap [5].
The Knicks, Celtics, Kings, and Suns are among the teams in varying degrees of pursuit of Simmons [8]. The most likely destination, according to long-time insider Brett Siegel, could be the Knicks [8].
In summary, the Los Angeles Clippers are navigating a complex trade landscape, with Bogdan Bogdanović emerging as the top trade candidate due to his uncertain role and value, and Derrick Jones Jr. as a secondary candidate given his contract and roster fit challenges. This is largely driven by the Clippers’ deep, star-laden roster and need to balance minutes and salary space [1][3].
[1] NBA.com: LA Clippers Trade Rumors Tracker
[2] ESPN: LA Clippers are in win-now mode, but what does that mean for Ben Simmons?
[3] Sports Illustrated: LA Clippers Trade Targets: Who Could be on the Move?
[4] Bleacher Report: LA Clippers' Jordan Miller Makes His Case for a Spot in the Rotation
[5] NBA Analysis Network: LA Clippers' Roster Overview and Trade Deadline Outlook
[6] CBS Sports: LA Clippers' Ben Simmons: Nets trade talks 'never got close' to happening
[7] Forbes: LA Clippers Facing A Numbers Crunch As They Navigate The 2022-23 Season
[8] SB Nation: Brett Siegel's NBA Free Agency Tracker: Oct. 3, 2022
The Clippers' trade speculation surrounds key players, with Ben Simmons and Bogdan Bogdanović emerging as potential trade candidates due to their uncertain roles and the team's need to balance minutes and salary space. Meanwhile, Derrick Jones Jr.'s contract and roster fit challenges position him as a secondary candidate. The team is in win-now mode, with the NBA playoffs and championship in sight, but injuries and rumors about player trades are clouding the championship chase in the sports world, particularly basketball and the NBA.
