As the NBA trade deadline draws closer, the Los Angeles Clippers find themselves in a familiar position-juggling roster flexibility, cap constraints, and the potential to fine-tune a team that’s already found some rhythm. One of the key priorities for the front office? Creating the space-both on the books and on the bench-to convert two-way players Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller to standard NBA contracts.
Right now, the Clippers are operating just $1.15 million under the first apron of the hard cap, with 14 players locked into full-season standard contracts. Patrick Baldwin Jr. is currently on a 10-day deal, but that doesn’t give them much breathing room. If the Clippers want to elevate both Sanders and Miller, they'll need to clear at least one roster spot-and do it in a way that doesn’t completely tie their hands financially.
The most likely players to be moved? Point guard Chris Paul and forward Kobe Brown.
Waiving either player would open up a spot, sure, but it wouldn’t solve the cap issue. Their full salaries would still count against the Clippers’ books, which makes a trade the more viable path.
Moving either contract via trade could give L.A. the flexibility it needs to reward Sanders and Miller with full-time deals.
And it’s not just about the roster count-it’s about how much they can offer. The Clippers have already used up their full mid-level exception and don’t have access to the bi-annual exception this season after using it in 2024-25.
If they want to offer more than a minimum deal, they’d have to dip into their $2.68 million disabled player exception, which only allows for a one-year contract. Otherwise, they’re limited to offering a two-year minimum deal.
Zubac Drawing Interest, but Clippers Holding Steady
Meanwhile, starting center Ivica Zubac has been generating buzz around the league. The Hornets are reportedly one of the teams that have reached out about him, and according to sources, at least one team even put an unprotected first-round pick and a pick swap on the table.
Still, the Clippers haven’t shown any real interest in moving Zubac. And it’s not hard to see why-he’s been a steady presence in the middle, anchoring the defense and providing reliable production in the paint.
John Collins’ Stock Rising
Earlier in the season, there were whispers about the Clippers potentially moving on from big man John Collins. But that noise has quieted, and for good reason.
Collins has been playing some of his best basketball during the team’s recent surge, averaging 15.6 points over his last 14 games while shooting a scorching .675 from the field, .635 from three, and .792 from the line. That kind of efficiency, especially from a forward who can stretch the floor and finish inside, is hard to part with.
What’s Next for Bogdanovic?
Veteran guard Bogdan Bogdanovic isn’t being actively shopped, but his situation is one to watch. He’s only played 16 games this season and hasn’t seen the court since December 26 due to ongoing health issues.
His numbers-8.0 points per game on 37.6% shooting-are well below his career norms. While the Clippers aren’t aggressively looking to move him, it wouldn’t be a shock if they were open to offers, especially if it helps them address more pressing needs.
Clippers Eyeing Backcourt Help
One area the Clippers could look to shore up is their ball-handling and playmaking depth. With James Harden and Kawhi Leonard shouldering a heavy offensive load, the team has reportedly shown interest in several guards around the league.
Names like Collin Sexton (Hornets), Anfernee Simons (Celtics), and Coby White (Bulls) have all been linked to L.A. recently. Adding another creator could help balance the offense and give the Clippers some added insurance heading into the postseason.
Bottom Line
The Clippers are in a delicate dance right now-trying to maintain the momentum they’ve built while also making the right moves to optimize their roster. Promoting Sanders and Miller is a priority, but to make it happen, they’ll need to get creative with the cap and possibly make a move or two.
At the same time, they’re fielding calls on key players like Zubac and keeping tabs on potential backcourt upgrades. It’s a lot to juggle, but with the deadline approaching, the Clippers’ next steps could be pivotal in determining just how far this team can go.