The Los Angeles Clippers are starting to find their rhythm. After a sluggish start to the 2025-26 campaign, they’ve quietly strung together a strong stretch of play, inching closer to the .500 mark and injecting some much-needed optimism into a season that was teetering early on. That recent surge has shifted the conversation around the team - and around the futures of stars like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, whose names had been floating in trade rumors not too long ago.
But with the Clippers showing signs of life, the idea of breaking up the core suddenly feels less urgent. Instead, the focus may now shift to shoring up the supporting cast - and that brings us to Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Bogdanovic was brought in last season from Atlanta ahead of the trade deadline, a move designed to bolster the Clippers' scoring off the bench. The idea was clear: add a proven shooter who could space the floor and give the second unit some offensive punch.
And while there have been flashes - moments where his shot-making and savvy ball-handling reminded everyone why he's been a valuable role player for years - the overall return hasn’t quite matched the investment. Injuries have played a part, as has the inevitable wear and tear that comes with age.
Still, Bogdanovic’s skill set isn’t something that goes out of style. Even as his lateral quickness fades and his defensive impact wanes, his ability to knock down threes and create off the bounce remains a commodity in today’s NBA. There’s a good chance a playoff contender in need of shooting and veteran poise might be willing to roll the dice - particularly if the Clippers are looking to retool their bench ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
And that’s where the Clippers’ front office has some decisions to make. Depth has been a clear issue this season.
Whether it’s inconsistent production from the bench or a lack of reliable two-way contributors outside the starting lineup, the team’s second unit hasn’t held up its end of the bargain. If the Clippers want to make a legitimate push in the second half of the season - especially in a loaded Western Conference - they’ll need more from their reserves.
That could mean exploring trade options, whether it’s moving on from Bogdanovic or bringing in fresh legs to stabilize the rotation.
For now, the Clippers will turn their attention to a major test coming up Friday night, when they host the defending champion Denver Nuggets. It’s the kind of game that can serve as a measuring stick - not just for where the team stands, but for how much ground they still need to cover if they want to be a serious threat in the postseason.
The clock is ticking toward the deadline, and the Clippers are at a crossroads. But unlike earlier this season, they’re approaching it with momentum - and that changes everything.