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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 04: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers reacts to his three pointer in front of James Harden #1 during a 131-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks at Intuit Dome on January 04, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) USER IS NOT PERMITTED TO DOWNLOAD OR USE IMAGE WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers are trying to reach the postseason after a horrible start to the season set them back early. James Harden and Kawhi Leonard both playing superb basketball helped the Clippers rebound enough to hold a late play-in seed. However, the Clippers must make up a lot of ground to move from the tenth seed to a higher placement to increase their playoff chances.
Clutch Points’ Tommy Azarly reported that the Clippers are looking at four names on the trade block:
“Talk around the league surrounding Kuzma had focused on his past desire to return to Los Angeles, and the Clippers were a team mentioned as a suitor for the former NBA champion when he was still with the Washington Wizards in 2024. Other players that have been linked to the Clippers over the last several days are Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, and Coby White.”
All four names mentioned in the article are all likely to be shopped by their current teams. The Clippers have an interesting scenario of two top stars they don’t want to move and view as cornerstones for a win now team. This only sees them able to add role players, but the names involved all would help the roster.
Why Clippers Want These Trade Targets?
Kyle Kuzma was the first name mentioned with the report going in depth about why bringing him back to Los Angeles could make sense. The Milwaukee Bucks have failed to develop Kuzma into a top offensive scorer and would love to move him before the trade deadline. Milwaukee hopes to improve and would love to get multiple role players in exchange for Kuzma.
Anfernee Simons is on an expiring contract with the Boston Celtics and has been rumored to be on the trade block all season. Boston hopes to move Simons for a player or two they can retain on the roster moving forward. The Clippers could benefit from having Simons off the bench since he’s been playing well lately as a dynamic scorer.
Both Collin Sexton and Coby White have similar appeals to Simons for the Clippers to improve their depth. Los Angeles clearly wants to add another scoring guard to boost their bench and provide some scoring help on nights they don’t have Leonard on the court.
What Can The Clippers Realistically Trade?
Ivica Zubac is the name that most gets named in rumors about other teams wanting to acquire him. The Clippers don’t seem likely to trade him, unless they get an offer that completely blows them away.
Realistic names for the Clippers to trade include John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones since they all have one or two years left on their contracts. Multiple veterans on the roster could make up extra salary, but opposing teams will prefer younger assets.
The Clippers are clearly targeting names with relatively low value to make up for the lack of assets they offer. Second round picks are likely the best draft picks that the Clippers will offer in exchange for the flawed bench players that they hope to add before the trade deadline.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford
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