The Clippers are not planning a fire sale ahead of the trade deadline and instead are exploring ways to add an impact player around James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
The Los Angeles Clippers have no plans to host a fire sale in the five weeks leading up to the February 5 trade deadline, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Los Angeles Clippers / Schedule
Instead, league sources told The Athletic that the Clippers are expected to explore adding an impact player alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard in an effort to revive their season in the second half.
From a salary-matching perspective, Los Angeles has flexibility through several expiring or near-expiring contracts, including:
John Collins: $26.5 million (expiring)
Bogdan Bogdanovic: $16 million this season; $16 million team option for next season
Brook Lopez: $8.7 million this season; $9.1 million team option for next season
Nicolas Batum: $5.6 million this season; $5.8 million team option for next season
However, a significant hurdle remains. The LA Clippers have long prioritized salary-cap flexibility beginning in the summer of 2027, making them reluctant to take on contracts that extend beyond that point.
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In the meantime, teams around the league continue to inquire about players such as center Ivica Zubac and wing Derrick Jones Jr., both of whom are viewed as plug-and-play contributors in a variety of situations, per the report.
Still, the idea that the Clippers' slow start would turn their roster into a discount rack for rival teams has proven to be off-base — and is unlikely to change.
The Clippers are currently 12–21 on the season.
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