The Los Angeles Clippers have no plans for a fire sale before the trade deadline and are expected to explore adding an impact player around James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, sources tell Sam Amick of The Athletic
Team sources say owner Steve Ballmer continues his mandate to remain competitive despite the team’s 6-21 start. The Clippers have won five straight games, restoring some internal hope about climbing out of their early-season hole.
With no first-round pick in 2026 to incentivize tanking, the Clippers are focused on salvaging their season. Oklahoma City owns LA’s 2026 first-rounder, which fueled league-wide speculation about the Clippers becoming sellers.
Harden has complete control over his situation with a no-trade clause in his Bird rights contract. He has a player option worth $42.3 million for next season.
Team and league sources say there are no signs Harden wants out. The 36-year-old former MVP and 11-time All-Star is averaging at least 26 points, seven assists and four rebounds, joining only Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham, Luka Doncic and Tyrese Maxey in that statistical club.
The Clippers can match star-level salaries using expiring contracts. John Collins ($26.5 million), Bogdan Bogdanovic ($16 million), Brook Lopez ($8.7 million) and Nicolas Batum ($5.6 million) provide flexibility in potential trade packages.
However, a significant hurdle exists for any major deal. The Clippers have prioritized salary-cap flexibility starting in summer 2027 and are reluctant to take on contracts extending past that point.
The team continues receiving calls about Ivica Zubac and Derrick Jones Jr., who could be difference-makers for contending teams. The Clippers are 2.5 games out of Play-In position and 9.5 games back from the sixth seed.