The Los Angeles Clippers made some serious noise at the trade deadline - not just tweaking around the edges, but reshaping their roster in a way that signals a clear shift in direction. They brought in young talent, moved on from some key veterans, and now find themselves walking a tightrope: trying to stay competitive while also building for the future.
At the heart of this new-look Clippers squad is a core built around Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland. That pairing alone gives L.A. a foundation of elite two-way play and dynamic shot creation.
Add in Bennedict Mathurin - a rising star with serious scoring upside - and a handful of capable role players, and you’ve got a team that should be in the playoff mix. But the reality is, they’re sitting at 25-28, clinging to 10th place in the Western Conference.
That’s not where a team with this kind of talent wants to be.
The Clippers finished the deadline with just 13 players on the roster, giving them two open spots. With the trade window closed, their only path to reinforcements is the buyout market - and there are a few intriguing names floating around. Let’s take a closer look at four potential targets who could help L.A. make a push.
Mike Conley: Veteran Poise and Floor General Savvy
Mike Conley may not be the same player who once ran the show in Memphis, but don’t let the modest stat line fool you - he still brings a ton to the table. After being waived by the Timberwolves, Conley suddenly became one of the more intriguing names on the buyout market. Minnesota’s decision to cut ties was reportedly tied to future cap flexibility, but in doing so, they lost a steady hand and a respected voice in the locker room.
Conley’s numbers this season - 4.4 points and 2.8 assists per game - don’t leap off the page, but his value goes beyond the box score. He’s a high-IQ guard who can run an offense, knock down open threes, and keep things organized when the game gets chaotic. For a Clippers team that’s still figuring out its new rotation, having a player like Conley come off the bench and steady the ship could be invaluable.
That said, there’s a wrinkle. The Timberwolves are reportedly looking to bring him back, which complicates things for L.A. If he’s off the board, the Clippers will need to pivot - but if there’s even a sliver of a chance, Conley would be worth a call.
Mason Plumlee: Frontcourt Depth with Familiarity
The Clippers already know what Mason Plumlee brings to the table - after all, he suited up for them last season. Now back on the market after a short stint with the Hornets, Plumlee could be a logical fit to return to L.A., especially after the team dealt Ivica Zubac at the deadline.
Plumlee’s production this year was limited - just 1.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game - but he didn’t get much opportunity in Charlotte. What he can offer is veteran experience, solid rebounding, and underrated passing from the center spot. He’s not going to anchor a defense or stretch the floor, but he’s a smart, reliable big who knows how to play within a system.
With the Clippers now leaning on Brook Lopez and Isaiah Jackson to handle the center duties, adding another experienced big could be a smart insurance policy - especially one who already knows the playbook and the locker room dynamic.
Lonzo Ball: Two-Way Guard with Playmaking Upside
Lonzo Ball’s return to the court this season was one of the more under-the-radar storylines in the league - and now, he could be one of the most valuable players available on the buyout market. After a long recovery from injury, Ball showed flashes of his old self in Cleveland, stepping up during Darius Garland’s early-season absence.
His numbers - 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game - don’t tell the full story. Ball’s impact comes in the form of pace, vision, and defensive versatility.
He’s a connector, someone who keeps the offense humming and brings a level of defensive engagement that’s hard to teach. For a Clippers team still building chemistry post-deadline, that kind of presence could make a real difference.
Ball wouldn’t be asked to carry a heavy scoring load in L.A., and that’s a good thing - his value lies in setting up others and locking in on defense. If he’s healthy and available, he could be a sneaky-good addition to the second unit.
Haywood Highsmith: Defensive Specialist with Shooting Potential
Haywood Highsmith hasn’t suited up this season due to a meniscus injury, but if he’s healthy, he might be one of the best defensive wings on the market. Last season with the Nets, he carved out a role as a versatile defender who could also knock down the occasional three - shooting 38.2% from deep while averaging 6.5 points and 3.4 boards.
The Clippers could use someone like that, especially off the bench. With Derrick Jones Jr. now starting, L.A. needs another long, athletic wing who can guard multiple positions and provide some spacing. Highsmith fits that mold - but the question is whether he’s ready to return.
There’s some risk here. Coming off surgery and having not played all season, it’s unclear what kind of shape he’s in or how quickly he could contribute. But if the medicals check out, the upside is there.
Clippers Still Need Help - And Time Is Running Out
The Clippers made bold moves at the deadline, but the job isn’t done. With James Harden no longer in the picture, the offensive load has shifted squarely onto Kawhi Leonard’s shoulders. And while Leonard is still more than capable of creating his own shot, he can’t carry the entire offense by himself - not over the grind of the regular season, and certainly not in the playoffs.
Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin have the tools to help lighten that load, but they’re still finding their rhythm in this new system. The chemistry isn’t there yet - and in a crowded Western Conference, time is a luxury the Clippers don’t have.
The buyout market doesn’t offer a ton of elite scorers - Cam Thomas, one of the few who fits that bill, is already headed to Milwaukee. That means L.A. may have to get creative or stay patient and wait for the next wave of buyouts.
But one thing is clear: if the Clippers want to make a serious run, they’ll need more help. Whether it’s a veteran guard like Conley, a defensive wing like Highsmith, or a familiar face like Plumlee, the front office has options. Now, it’s just a matter of making the right call - and making it soon.