As currently constructed, the Los Angeles Clippers boast one of the deepest rosters in the Western Conference. With key trade acquisitions and key signings in free agency, the Clippers are poised to be a formidable team to face in the upcoming season.
While this paints an increasingly positive outlook for the 2025-26 campaign, some concerns linger.
While their offseason roster additions have been noteworthy, most of the players have been veterans in the latter stages of their careers. Along with this, concerns are rising from the team’s recent controversies surrounding Kawhi Leonard, which could result in further penalties that could adversely impact the team.
In light of this, reports have suggested that Los Angeles make some trades to ensure that they can maintain roster strength even in the event of a harsh penalty. With this in mind, we explore a trade proposal that could aid the Clippers in maintaining balance in their scoring efforts.
Proposed Trade Idea
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Anfernee Simons
Boston Celtics Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Derrick Jones Jr.
The Celtics Cultivate Roster Depth
This offseason has been particularly challenging for the former champions. After being struck by injuries and with the second tax apron looming, Boston had to make some difficult decisions to reduce their luxury tax bill.
After parting with several key rotation players, the Boston Celtics‘ roster strength was significantly depleted. With a weakened roster, Boston’s chances of being competitive in the upcoming season were also reduced significantly.
On this note, trading with the Clippers could be an interesting opportunity for the Boston Celtics to cultivate their roster depth. Given that the team has been looking to offload Anfernee Simons for the better part of the summer, doing so to acquire solid veterans such as Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. could be greeted favorably.
The immediate benefit of this deal is the impact on the cap space. With Simons’ $27.6 million contract being offset against the incoming $26.0 million from the trade, Boston successfully sheds $1.6 million in salaries.
Apart from this, both Bogdanovic and Jones Jr. have upside as rotational pieces.
Bogdanovic is a proven scorer and perimeter threat. Although his shot-creation skill hasn’t been as noteworthy in recent years, he remains a reliable shooter. Last season with the Clippers, the Serbian averaged 10.8 points and 2.9 rebounds on 42.7% shooting overall and 36.3% from three.
Boston has depth in the guard rotation, but considering Bogdanovic’s veteran experience and consistency, he could carve out a role for himself in the main rotation.
Considering Boston’s backcourt depth, the addition of a forward like Jones Jr. would also be welcomed. The high-flying athlete has proven himself to be a solid role player on contending teams. While being a reliable lob threat, the 28-year-old has also developed as a solid two-way player and perimeter shooter.
For the 2024-25 season, he averaged 10.1 points and 3.4 rebounds to go with 1.0 steals per game, shooting 52.6% from the field and 35.6% from three.
Jones Jr.’s flexibility will have a lot of upside during the regular season. With recent reports also indicating that Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum could be ahead of schedule in his injury recovery journey, the acquisition of solid role players could help Boston stay afloat until the forward returns.
The Clippers Acquire Another Scoring Option
Los Angeles could see a lot of benefit in this deal. While the departure of Bogdanovic and Jones Jr. has a proportional impact on their bench depth, the arrival of Anfernee Simons could have significant upside.
Simons has proven himself to be a reliable scoring option. During his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, the young guard was effectively likened to Damian Lillard in playing style. With elite athleticism and shooting ability, the 26-year-old is known as an offensive threat.
Last season, he averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists on 42.6% shooting from the field and 36.3% from three. While his distribution isn’t eye-catching, his shot-making ability is certainly noteworthy.
Traits like this could be particularly useful for LA, especially with the departure of Norman Powell this summer. Although the Clippers boast solid scoring threats like James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Bradley Beal, having a backup who can step up at a moment’s notice will always be of value.
The 82-game season poses a lot of challenges for LA’s aging roster. Given the inconsistent availability of players like Leonard and Beal, the team can only benefit from a player who can enter the starting lineup and be a contributor.
Given the team’s structure, Simons would have to embrace a bench role for the most part. But considering how often the veterans in the starting lineup are expected to miss games, the 26-year-old could see an opportunity to carve out a solid role for himself.
Should The Clippers Trade Leonard?
The last month has been marked by scandal for two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard. After the deal with Aspiration was brought to light, it was like the dominoes started falling one after the other. At this stage, the situation seems highly unfavorable for the forward.
In this regard, Leonard has remained rather cold about the situation, as his recent statement at the Clippers’ media day effectively glazed over the matter and redirected the focus toward the upcoming season.
Considering the possible penalties that could be leveraged against Los Angeles, it may be in the team’s best interests to facilitate a trade for the forward. Reports suggest that the Clippers may seek significant draft compensation, but no such deal appears to be in sight currently.
