An early-season skid has left the Los Angeles Clippers at 6-16, and league insiders disagree on how the franchise should react, according to an ESPN report published on Dec. 5. General manager conversations gathered by reporters Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst offered no clear consensus, but did underscore the urgency created by the unprotected 2026 first-round pick the Clippers already owe the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Buy, Sell or Stand Pat?
Some scouts and front-office officials told ESPN that Los Angeles should actively pursue trades before February’s deadline, noting the club’s collection of expiring and near-expiring contracts could facilitate a deal. Others argued the roster, headlined by Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Ivica Zubac, is strong enough to rebound without major changes, predicting that teams currently ahead of L.A. will eventually pivot into lottery mode.
A Western Conference scout pointed out that head coach Ty Lue has steered talented groups out of rough patches before, adding that 22 games is too small a sample to justify a teardown. Still, an opposing executive suggested the Clippers will have “plenty of opportunities” to acquire help as cost-cutting clubs begin offloading veterans in the coming weeks.
LaVine Floated as Potential Target
One scout singled out Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine as a possible fit for Los Angeles, citing his athleticism and wing scoring. Because LaVine holds a $49 million player option for 2026-27, the thought is that Sacramento might attach a draft pick to shed his contract if the Clippers are willing to absorb it using only expiring salaries. The report stressed that no formal interest from Los Angeles has been documented.
Would L.A. Consider a Reset?
Despite owner Steve Ballmer’s history of avoiding rebuilds, several rival executives told ESPN they wonder whether the franchise might explore that path. One assistant general manager noted that ample future cap space could allow the club to “flip the roster in a year” if it soured on the current core.
The trade value of the Clippers’ biggest names remains uncertain. A league scout labeled Harden’s market value as roughly neutral and suggested Leonard’s could be negative, partly because of the NBA’s ongoing investigation into a purported endorsement arrangement with Aspiration that reportedly never materialized.
Front Office Addresses Chris Paul Departure
President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, asked this week whether the organization’s surprise split with veteran guard Chris Paul might damage its reputation with players and agents, said the club must “own” the decision while emphasizing its track record of success. Frank added that he is confident the Clippers will “always be a destination franchise” as long as Ballmer remains in charge.
Source: Hoops Rumors
