TITLE: Clippers explore trade scenarios to elevate Sanders and Miller to standard deals
SLUG: clippers-explore-trades-sanders-miller
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Clippers are evaluating multiple trade possibilities ahead of the 2026 trade deadline in an effort to free roster spots and cap room to convert two-way players Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller to standard contracts, according to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.
The club is operating roughly $1.15 million below the first-apron hard cap and currently carries 14 players on full-season standard deals, with Patrick Baldwin Jr. occupying a 10-day contract. Both Sanders and Miller are nearing the maximum number of NBA appearances allowed on two-way agreements, making additional roster space a priority.
Paul and Brown viewed as prime trade chips
Point guard Chris Paul and forward Kobe Brown are considered the most likely players to be moved. Waiving either veteran would create a roster slot but leave the full salary on the books; trading one of them would supply both a roster opening and additional room under the hard cap, allowing the Clippers to sign Sanders and Miller sooner.
Los Angeles has already spent its full mid-level exception and used its bi-annual exception last season. If the front office wants to pay either two-way player more than the minimum, it would have to deploy its $2.68 million disabled player exception, which is limited to a one-year contract. Any minimum deal would be capped at two seasons.
Zubac draws interest; Collins no longer on the block
The Charlotte Hornets have joined a growing list of clubs that have asked about starting center Ivica Zubac, but sources told ClutchPoints that the Clippers show no inclination to part with him. One unnamed team reportedly dangled an unprotected first-round pick plus a pick swap for Zubac, yet talks did not advance.
Earlier-season discussions regarding forward John Collins have cooled, with the Clippers now less inclined to move him. Collins is averaging 15.6 points over his last 14 contests while shooting 67.5% from the field, 63.5% from three and 79.2% at the foul line during the team’s recent surge.
Status of Bogdanovic and possible backcourt targets
Veteran guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is not being aggressively shopped, though league observers believe Los Angeles would consider offers. Limited to 16 appearances and sidelined since Dec. 26 by health issues, Bogdanovic is recording career lows in points (8.0) and field-goal percentage (37.6%).
With a need for another ball-handler to support James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have been connected to Collin Sexton of the Hornets, Anfernee Simons of the Celtics and Coby White of the Bulls in recent days, Azarly reports.
The Clippers must shed at least one guaranteed contract to finalize promotions for Sanders and Miller, positioning trade discussions as a focal point as the deadline approaches.
Source: Hoops Rumors
