Apr 2, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (10) drives the ball while under pressure from San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
Apr 2, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (10) drives the ball while under pressure from San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
The drama surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers currently appears to be the hottest topic in the NBA. With the investigation into Kawhi Leonard‘s salary cap scandal resulting in a harsh punishment for the Clippers, fans have been closely following the story as it develops.
As things stand, the NBA’s ruling has effectively crippled Los Angeles. While ownership faces severe penalties, the Clippers’ circumstances are arguably worse, as the franchise has been docked five first-round picks. Although there is reason to believe this punishment could be revised (for better or worse), the Clippers face a dire need to regain their lost draft assets.
While some methods have already been mentioned, NBA insider Sam Quinn shared another intriguing approach on a recent episode of the “Third Apron Podcast” with Yossi Gozlan. As the two were discussing possible outcomes for the Clippers, Quinn shared:
“Could I pitch something else to you?… Would you trade Darius Garland and/or Brandon Ingram for worse contracts and get some picks attached? So, like, here’s an idea. Darius Garland for De’Aaron Fox and one first-round pick.”
At first, Gozlan wasn’t too intrigued by the idea, dismissing the notion that the San Antonio Spurs would make such a deal. However, is there really merit to it?
Theoretically, the Spurs have enough draft capital to make such a deal. Given the kind of cap impact De’Aaron Fox will have in the coming seasons, one could argue that offloading him would be more sensible. On that note, here is a potential trade proposal that could help the Clippers regain a first-round pick by moving Darius Garland to the Spurs.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: De’Aaron Fox, 2029 first-round pick
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Darius Garland
Financially, this trade could work out for both teams. Since Darius Garland’s $42.1 million cap hit is considerably less than De’Aaron Fox’s $49.4 million, the Spurs would shed roughly $7.3 million in salary, bringing their active cap down to $190.9 million.
Meanwhile, absorbing Fox’s contract shouldn’t be an issue for the Clippers now that Kawhi Leonard’s move to the Raptors is looking more likely. Given that they have roughly $4.8 million in trade exceptions from previous transactions, which will increase to approximately $8.0 million once the Leonard trade is completed, acquiring Fox should not have a major impact on L.A.’s payroll.
For all intents and purposes, the financial side of this trade makes perfect sense for both teams. Therefore, we move on to the actual impact this trade could have on both parties.
How Does This Trade Affect Both Teams?
This trade significantly affects both teams involved. Realistically, however, one could argue that the Spurs stand to benefit more from this trade.
The San Antonio Spurs are currently among the league’s best teams. Coming off a title push in the playoffs this year, the Spurs boast a young core that is more motivated than ever to win a title. Still, many critics would argue one fatal flaw continues to plague the team.
Although the Spurs are undeniably Victor Wembanyama‘s team, a power struggle is inevitably brewing in the backcourt. Thus, to maximize the squad’s potential, offloading De’Aaron Fox, who has been viewed as the odd-man out, may be wise.
In return for Fox, San Antonio would be acquiring Darius Garland in this scenario. In many ways, this could be an upgrade. From a playmaking perspective, Garland is superior, and given what the Spurs need from their starting point guard, he could be the best fit next to a big man like Wembanyama.
Last season, Garland averaged 18.8 points and 6.7 assists while shooting 46.0% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range. As a multi-level scoring threat, the 26-year-old brings a lot more to the table for San Antonio.
On the Clippers’ side, Fox’s arrival is primarily justified by the addition of a first-round pick. However, the 28-year-old could be immensely impactful in Los Angeles.
Last season, Fox averaged 18.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. As one of the quickest players in the league, Fox is known for finishing at the rim. Thus, when paired with a mid-range scorer like Brandon Ingram, along with reliable perimeter threats like Max Strus and Rui Hachimura on the Clippers, Fox’s natural game could flourish in Los Angeles.
For the most part, Fox may not transform the Clippers into a playoff contender. But as L.A.’s starting point guard, he would certainly make Los Angeles an interesting team to watch.
Should The Clippers Do This Trade?
Although Gozlan was against the idea, mainly because the Spurs would not agree to such a deal, there is reason to believe that San Antonio may be interested. And if the Spurs are in, the Clippers would definitely benefit from making this deal.
Parting with a franchise point guard isn’t always easy. However, when it allows a team to acquire another star-caliber point guard, along with a first-round pick, it is hard to be disappointed.
For all intents and purposes, the upcoming seasons will be rebuilding years for Los Angeles. With Keaton Wagler‘s development becoming a key storyline during this period, L.A. would see the value in surrounding him with talented veterans to speed things up.
If parting with Garland is not preferred, Los Angeles could also consider flipping Brandon Ingram later in the season. Unfortunately, since Ingram’s value is closely linked with his availability, the Clippers would have to ensure the forward remains healthy and performs at a high level to ensure a solid return on his contract.