Honestly, if you looked at the Los Angeles Clippers back in December, you’d have thought the funeral was already being planned. They were sitting near the bottom of the West, the vibes were subterranean, and the "fire sale" chatter was reaching a fever pitch. But then Kawhi Leonard decided to look like 2019 Kawhi again, James Harden started manipulating defenses like a puppet master, and suddenly those nba trade rumors clippers fans were dreading have turned into something way more aggressive.
The Intuit Dome didn't open its doors just to host a rebuilding team. Steve Ballmer is many things—energetic, wealthy, obsessed with toilets—but he is definitely not a fan of losing.
The Kawhi Leonard Effect on Trade Strategy
The big shift happened about two weeks ago. When Kawhi dropped 55 on the Pistons, the front office basically tore up any plans they had for a "reset." You don't trade a guy who is leading the league in steals and shooting career highs from the stripe while locking down the opponent's best player. You just don't.
Instead of looking for an exit strategy, Lawrence Frank is now reportedly hunting for an "impact player" to slide into the frontcourt. The logic is simple: if the window is open even an inch, Ballmer is going to try to kick the door down. The Clippers aren't just looking for bench depth; they want a third pillar who can survive the playoff meat grinder.
Why Anthony Davis is the Name on Everyone’s Lips
This is the one that sounds like video game logic until you look at the Mavericks’ situation. Reports from insiders like Sam Amick and Sam Boyle suggest Dallas is already looking to pivot toward the Cooper Flagg era. Anthony Davis making $54.1 million is a massive pill to swallow, but he’s the ultimate "all-in" move.
- The Fit: Imagine a defense with Kawhi, AD, and Ivica Zubac. It’s a nightmare.
- The Cost: It would likely require shipping out John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and whatever picks the Clippers have left in the cupboard.
- The Risk: You’re essentially betting the entire franchise on the health of three guys who have spent a lot of time in street clothes over the last five years.
The Coby White and Zach LaVine Situations
If the AD blockbuster feels too rich, the "Plan B" options are equally fascinating. Coby White has been linked to the Clippers for weeks now. He’s on a team-friendly $12.9 million deal, and the Bulls are in that weird purgatory where they need to sell high. White gives the Clippers a secondary creator who doesn't need the ball in his hands 24/7—something they desperately need when Harden sits.
Then there's Zach LaVine. The Kings situation has made him available, but his $47.5 million price tag is a logistical headache. Would he help? Sure. He's an elite off-ball threat. But matching that salary would gut the Clippers' depth. You'd be losing Batum, Collins, and maybe even Brook Lopez. That’s a lot of size to give up for a scoring guard.
The "Untouchable" Tier
It’s kinda funny how quickly things change in the NBA. A month ago, people were wondering if Ivica Zubac was the only guy with actual trade value. Now? The Clippers are reportedly rebuffing teams asking about him. They view Zu and Derrick Jones Jr. as essential "plug-and-play" pieces. Unless a superstar is coming back, Big Zu stays in Inglewood.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Clippers’ Assets
You’ll hear people say "The Clippers have no picks." That's not entirely true. While Oklahoma City owns their 2026 unprotected first-round pick (part of the infamous Paul George trade that keeps on giving), the Clippers can still move two unprotected firsts in other years and offer pick swaps.
They also have a mountain of "tradable" mid-tier contracts.
- John Collins ($26.5M) - The ultimate salary matcher.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic ($16M) - Useful, but expendable for a star.
- Brook Lopez ($8.7M) - A veteran piece teams always want.
They aren't "asset-poor" in the traditional sense; they're just "future-poor." But when you're 11th in the West and only five games out of the 8th seed, the future feels like a problem for tomorrow.
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The Realistic Deadline Outlook
So, what actually happens?
If I'm betting, they don't land Anthony Davis. It’s too complex, and the Mavericks probably find a better deal elsewhere or wait for the summer. The more likely scenario involves a "surgical" upgrade. Think of a deal for someone like Jonathan Kuminga or Herb Jones.
Kuminga is the high-upside wing they lack. He’s been in and out of Steve Kerr’s rotation in Golden State, and his $22.5 million salary is manageable. He provides the athleticism and rim pressure that this older roster lacks. Herb Jones, on the other hand, is the "dream" target. He’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the world on a bargain contract. New Orleans would want a haul, but he’s the type of player who wins you a playoff series.
Final Thoughts on the Clippers’ Strategy
The Clippers are in a unique spot because they have no incentive to tank. Without their own pick in 2026, losing only benefits the Thunder. That creates a "win-at-all-costs" environment that is rare even in the NBA.
They are going to be buyers. Period. Whether that means a massive splash for a name like Davis or a smart pivot for a guy like Coby White, expect the Clippers to be the most active team in the Western Conference as the February 5 deadline approaches.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Injury Report: If Kawhi or Harden miss significant time in the next ten days, the "buyer" aggression might cool.
- Monitor the Mavericks: Any sign of Dallas sliding further in the standings makes an AD trade more statistically probable.
- Follow the Cap: The Clippers are hard-capped at the first apron ($178.1M), meaning they cannot take back more money than they send out. Any trade proposal you see on Twitter that doesn't match salaries is pure fantasy.
Check the official NBA transaction logs and reputable reporters like Adrian Wojnarowski or Shams Charania for confirmed moves, as the rumor mill tends to spin faster than reality this time of year.