The Los Angeles Clippers are in the middle of a season that, by any measure, has gone sideways. From on-court struggles to off-court controversies, Tyronn Lue’s squad has found itself buried in the Western Conference standings with little margin for error.
But despite the chaos, the Clippers aren’t folding. In fact, they're doubling down.
According to a recent report, the Clippers have been actively turning down trade offers for their core players - Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac. That’s right.
Even with a 6-20 record and sitting 14th in the West, L.A. isn’t looking to blow things up. And there’s a key reason behind that: their 2026 first-round pick is already headed to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
So tanking? Not really an option.
Instead, the front office is holding firm, still believing there’s a path - however narrow - to claw their way into the play-in picture. One potential spark?
The return of Derrick Jones Jr., who’s been sidelined with a knee injury. The hope is that his athleticism and defensive versatility can help stabilize a lineup that’s struggled to find rhythm or consistency.
But let’s be honest - this roster, as currently constructed, hasn’t clicked. The chemistry just hasn’t materialized.
The star power is there on paper, but the results on the floor tell a different story. Kawhi Leonard, while still capable of elite play when healthy, has long battled availability issues.
James Harden has shown flashes, but the cohesion with Leonard and Paul George has been spotty at best. And while Zubac remains a solid presence in the paint, he’s not the kind of piece that moves the needle in a major way.
The Clippers’ refusal to entertain trade talks for their stars suggests a belief that this group can still figure it out. But time is running out, and the Western Conference isn’t exactly forgiving. Even a push for the 10th seed would require a significant turnaround - and soon.
Meanwhile, there’s still a cloud hanging over the franchise. The NBA’s investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention is ongoing.
If the league finds wrongdoing, the consequences could be severe. Commissioner Adam Silver has shown in the past that he's not afraid to penalize teams that cross the line, and the Clippers could face additional losses in draft capital - something they can’t afford given how much they’ve already mortgaged their future.
So where does that leave this team? In a word: stuck.
They’re not tanking, they’re not trading, and they’re not winning. The Clippers are betting on internal improvement and a midseason spark to salvage what’s left of a campaign that’s teetering on the edge.
Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen - but for now, the message from the front office is clear: we’re not done yet.