The Los Angeles Clippers entered the 2025-26 season with expectations that felt as lofty as their new arena’s rafters. But now, with the year winding down and a 7-21 record staring them in the face, reality has hit hard.
This team, as currently constructed, is not built to compete-at least not at the level they’d hoped. And with the trade deadline six weeks away, the Clippers find themselves in a familiar position: searching for answers.
One name that’s surfaced in trade chatter is veteran guard CJ McCollum. Currently with the Washington Wizards, McCollum is drawing interest from multiple teams around the league, and the Clippers are reportedly among them.
At 34, McCollum may not be the All-Star-level scorer he was in his prime, but he’s still got plenty in the tank. His ability to create his own shot, run the offense in stretches, and knock down big-time perimeter looks makes him a valuable asset-especially for a team like the Clippers, who desperately need a jolt of offensive consistency and veteran leadership.
McCollum’s presence could help address one of the Clippers’ most glaring issues: backcourt stability. While the roster boasts star power, the chemistry hasn’t clicked.
Injuries, rotations, and underwhelming performances have all played a part in what’s become a frustrating campaign. Adding a player like McCollum wouldn’t just bring scoring-it could bring structure.
And the Clippers aren’t alone in their interest. The Milwaukee Bucks and other playoff hopefuls are reportedly monitoring McCollum’s situation closely.
That kind of league-wide attention speaks to the respect McCollum still commands. He’s a proven playoff performer with a high basketball IQ and a reputation as a steadying force in the locker room.
For a team like the Clippers, who are teetering on the edge of irrelevance this season, that kind of presence could be invaluable.
Before the season tipped off, the Clippers were seen as dark-horse contenders. They had the talent, they had the depth, and they had the backing of an aggressive front office led by owner Steve Ballmer.
But talent alone doesn’t win games-execution and cohesion do. And so far, the Clippers have come up short in both departments.
Ballmer, who’s invested heavily in both the roster and the franchise’s infrastructure, is reportedly feeling the heat. He delivered a state-of-the-art arena and made big moves in the offseason, but the results haven’t followed. The pressure is mounting-not just from the media, but from a fan base that expected a lot more than a sub-.300 start.
With the trade deadline looming, the Clippers’ front office has a decision to make. Do they stand pat and hope the current group finds its rhythm? Or do they swing big, potentially bringing in a veteran like McCollum to shake things up?
If they want to keep their playoff hopes alive, the latter might be their only real option.