The Los Angeles Clippers closed their 2025-26 campaign with Wednesday’s play-in loss to Golden State, leaving the organization without a playoff series victory for a fifth consecutive year despite posting an NBA-best 15 straight winning seasons.
According to The Athletic, head coach Tyronn Lue—under contract through 2029—will remain, and newly acquired point guard Darius Garland is also considered a roster fixture. Beyond those two pillars, the offseason picture is unsettled.
Kawhi Leonard looms over roster planning
Kawhi Leonard, whose endorsement dispute with Aspiration is being reviewed by the league, declined to address his future after the defeat. Team officials do not anticipate significant league penalties or a contract void, a source told The Athletic, but the forward must be extended or traded to avoid entering 2026-27 on an expiring deal.
Key contract calls ahead
Los Angeles faces several other decisions:
- John Collins heads to unrestricted free agency.
- Bennedict Mathurin will be a restricted free agent.
- Team options are due on Brook Lopez, Bogdan Bogdanović, Nicolas Batum, Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders.
- Defensive specialists Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. become extension-eligible.
Garland focused on health
Garland revealed he has been “playing on nine toes” after left big-toe surgery last summer and a right big-toe sprain earlier this season. The right foot has healed, but lingering discomfort in the left toe makes full recovery his top offseason priority.
Cap outlook
ESPN’s Bobby Marks projects that staying under the salary cap is possible if several role players depart, though operating above the cap is viewed as more likely. Marks notes the Clippers should be able to re-sign Mathurin and still deploy the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception if Collins is not retained. Frontcourt depth and a backup playmaker for Garland headline the club’s shopping list.
Post-season jab from Chris Paul
Roughly four months after parting ways with Los Angeles, veteran guard Chris Paul mocked the team’s exit by posting the “I stopped by one of my biggest hater’s funeral” meme on Instagram shortly after the loss.
The Clippers now pivot to what promises to be one of the league’s busiest summers as they attempt to balance continuity with the need for postseason success.
Source: Hoops Rumors
