The vibe around the Intuit Dome right now is... complicated. Honestly, if you’ve been following the LA Clippers trade news lately, you know it’s been a total rollercoaster. One week everyone’s calling for a complete fire sale, and the next, Kawhi Leonard drops 30 points, the team wins six straight, and suddenly Steve Ballmer is looking for one more piece to make a deep playoff run.
It’s wild.
Most people look at the standings—the Clippers are sitting at 16–23 as of mid-January 2026—and think, "Okay, blow it up." But that is basically the opposite of what is actually happening behind the scenes. According to recent reports from NBA insiders like Sam Amick, the Clippers have "no plans" to host a fire sale before the February 5 deadline. Instead, they’re hunting for an impact player.
The Kawhi and Harden Paradox
Let’s be real: trading Kawhi Leonard or James Harden is a logistical nightmare. Kawhi is playing like an MVP candidate again, looking healthy and decisive. When he’s on, the Clippers aren't an 11th-seed team; they’re a threat. Harden has settled into this weirdly effective veteran facilitator role, averaging about 25.8 points and 8 assists.
The team's front office, led by Lawrence Frank, is in a bind. They don’t own their 2026 first-round pick—it’s going straight to Oklahoma City because of the Paul George trade years ago. There is literally zero incentive to tank. If they lose, OKC just gets a better lottery pick.
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So, what do they do? They buy.
Why Ivica Zubac is the Name to Watch
While the stars are likely staying put, Ivica Zubac has become the most fascinating trade chip in the league. He’s averaging a double-double (14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds), and teams like the Boston Celtics are reportedly sniffing around. The Clippers are reportedly asking for at least two first-round picks for Big Zu.
It’s a tough sell. If you trade Zubac, who protects the rim? Brook Lopez is there, but he’s 37. Yanic Konan Niederhäuser is a promising rookie, but you can’t rely on a kid for a playoff push.
LA Clippers Trade News: The Targets
The rumor mill is spinning fast. If the Clippers are buyers, who are they actually after? The biggest name floating around right now is Coby White from the Chicago Bulls.
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The logic is pretty simple. The Clippers need a third scorer who can actually create his own shot. Bogdan Bogdanović was supposed to be that guy, but he’s been hurt and looks a step slow when he does play. White is younger, on a decent contract ($12.8 million), and would fit perfectly next to Harden.
- Potential Trade Chip: Bogdan Bogdanović ($16M expiring)
- Asset to Attach: 2030 or 2032 unprotected first-round pick
- The Goal: A dynamic backcourt partner for Harden
There’s also been some chatter about Michael Porter Jr., but that feels like a long shot. The Clippers’ medical staff famously passed on him during the draft years ago because of his back, and he’s had three surgeries since then. Plus, his contract is massive. Taking on that kind of money when you’re already trying to keep flexibility for the summer of 2027 seems... unlikely.
What About Anthony Davis?
Yeah, you read that right. There have been some crazy whispers about the Mavericks potentially moving AD to pivot toward a younger timeline with Cooper Flagg. Would the Clippers jump in? Probably. But they’d have to give up everything not nailed down to the floor, and a Kawhi-AD duo would be the "All-Injury-Report Team." It’s a massive gamble that Steve Ballmer might be crazy enough to take, but the odds are low.
The Assets Left in the Cupboard
The Clippers aren't exactly "draft pick rich," but they aren't totally broke either. They can still trade:
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- Their 2030 first-round pick.
- Their 2032 first-round pick.
- Swap rights for 2031.
They also have some "salary ballast" in John Collins ($26.5M) and Bogdanović. If they combine those contracts with a future pick, they can realistically go after a near-max player. The question is whether they should. Giving up a 2032 pick when your current stars will be in their 40s is how you end up in a decade-long rebuild.
Actionable Insights for the Trade Deadline
If you're tracking LA Clippers trade news over the next few weeks, keep your eye on three specific indicators:
- The Zubac Price Tag: If the Clippers lower their demand from two first-rounders to one high-quality young player and a pick, a deal is imminent. This would signal a shift toward a "soft rebuild" or a re-tooling around a different type of big man.
- Bogdanović’s Minutes: If he stays on the bench even when healthy, he’s being showcased or protected for a trade. His $16 million contract is the key to matching salaries for a guy like Coby White.
- The 10-Game Stretch: The Clippers have a favorable schedule in late January. If they go 8–2 or 7–3, expect them to be aggressive buyers. If they slide back toward the bottom of the West, the "no fire sale" stance might finally crack.
The most likely outcome? A move on the margins. Expect a trade involving Bogdanović and a future pick for a younger, more athletic wing or guard. The Clippers aren't ready to give up on the Intuit Dome's first real season just yet, even if the math says they probably should.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for Kawhi. As always, everything in Clipper-land begins and ends with his knees. If he stays on the floor, this team will be the most active buyer in the Western Conference.
The NBA trade deadline is February 5, 2026. Between now and then, expect a lot of noise, but don't be surprised if the Clippers double down on the veteran core one last time.
Next Steps for Fans:
Watch the January 22nd matchup against the Lakers closely. This is often the "litmus test" for the front office. If the Clippers look outclassed by their crosstown rivals, the pressure to make a massive move for someone like Anthony Davis or Coby White will reach a boiling point. Check the latest salary cap sheets on Spotrac to see how a John Collins/Bogdanović package fits into your favorite trade machine scenarios.