The Los Angeles Clippers have taken another step toward optimizing their roster by acquiring Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills from the Utah Jazz in exchange for PJ Tucker, Mo Bamba, and a future second-round pick, as reported by Shams Charania.
This trade primarily serves two purposes for the Clippers: shedding some salary flexibility ahead of the trade deadline and bolstering their depth with two experienced veterans who can contribute immediately.
This move was inevitable for Tucker, who had been away from the Clippers all season. After being acquired as part of the James Harden trade, the 39-year-old forward saw his role diminish, appearing in just 28 games last season.
His contract, valued at $11.5 million, was more of a burden than an asset, and now the Jazz have the option to either buy him out or keep him on their roster as a veteran presence. With Utah sitting at 10-36, the worst record in the Western Conference, a buyout seems like the most likely outcome.
Mo Bamba, who signed a one-year deal with the Clippers this past offseason, had struggled to carve out a consistent role in the rotation. Averaging 4.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game in just 12.6 minutes, he was mostly used as a depth piece behind Ivica Zubac and Daniel Theis. In Utah, Bamba has a clearer path to minutes as a backup to Walker Kessler, filling in the void left by Eubanks’ departure.
For the Clippers, this trade is more about adding two reliable veterans than making a significant roster overhaul. Eubanks, a 28-year-old center, provides toughness, rebounding, and energy off the bench.
Though his stats (5.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 15.2 minutes per game) may not jump off the page, his ability to play solid interior defense and finish around the rim makes him a useful addition for a team aiming for a deep playoff run.
Patty Mills, meanwhile, brings much-needed experience and perimeter shooting to the Clippers’ bench. The 36-year-old guard has bounced around multiple teams in the past year, but his veteran leadership and three-point shooting (career 38.9%) make him a valuable piece for a playoff team.
While he is not expected to play major minutes, Mills can provide instant offense and steady decision-making in limited stretches, especially when James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, or Norman Powell are off the floor.
One of the biggest benefits for the Clippers is the financial relief this move provides. By offloading Tucker’s contract, they now sit $4 million below the first apron, giving them more flexibility to maneuver ahead of the trade deadline or explore options in the buyout market. This also creates a $6.5 million trade exception, which could be useful for adding another piece before the playoffs.
For the Jazz, this trade is more about long-term financial planning and acquiring future assets. While Tucker is unlikely to be a long-term piece, Mo Bamba could find a role in Utah’s frontcourt rotation. The future second-round pick provides additional flexibility for future moves.
In the grand scheme, this is a low-risk, smart trade for both teams. The Clippers get two veterans who fit their system, while the Jazz acquire a future pick and potential buyout candidates. With the trade deadline approaching, this could be just the first of many moves for both franchises.
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