The Clippers are in a tight spot right now, and it’s honestly looking pretty bleak. After swinging for the fences with big names like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George since 2019, they’re somehow back at square one, and the season’s barely started. They’re off to a rough 3-4 start, and to make matters worse, they’re already dealing with big holes in their lineup. Paul George is gone, making the move to Philly, and Kawhi’s once again sidelined with nagging injuries that just won’t seem to let up. It feels like every time he’s set to go, something pulls him right back.
And if that’s not tough enough, their draft cupboard is basically empty – they’ve shipped off so many picks trying to build a contender that they don’t have the assets left to shake things up now. So, with a sparkling new arena in Inglewood and a hefty payroll, the Clippers are facing some hard questions. Is it time to hit the reset button and trade away their stars?
Admitting The Kawhi Leonard Era Failed
Warriors receive: Kawhi Leonard
Clippers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, De’Anthony Melton, 2026 First-Round Pick
The Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard experiment might finally be coming to an end here. After years of pouring resources into building a contender around Kawhi, it’s looking like it’s time to reset. Endless injuries and an inconsistent lineup have left the Clippers wondering if they’re better off starting fresh. Sending Kawhi to the Warriors would mark the end of an era that never quite delivered, but for Golden State, it’s a chance to push their already hot start further.
Right now, the Warriors are 6-1, showing they’re still serious contenders in the West. Adding Kawhi could be the final piece to make them truly unstoppable. When he’s on the floor, Kawhi’s production is elite. Last season, he put up 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, shooting over 51% from the field and 41.6% from deep. But his availability has been hit-or-miss. This season, he’s already been out since the preseason due to more knee setbacks, which has the Clippers thinking about the future. If they decide to move him, they could get younger, bring in more reliable players, and snag a few assets along the way.
The Clippers would get Andrew Wiggins, who’s off to a strong start himself, averaging 15.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over the first few games. Wiggins is a reliable scorer, a solid defender, and brings some energy to the court, even if his level diminished a ton last season. At 28, he may still have plenty in the tank, and for the Clippers, he’d fill some of the defensive gaps left by Kawhi.
Jonathan Kuminga adds a whole new dimension to this trade. He’s averaging 13.6 points, and 4.1 rebounds this season but has not shown real growth so far. Kuminga didn’t get his rookie extension, which means he’ll be a restricted free agent at the end of the season. For the Clippers, that’s actually a plus—if Kuminga thrives, they can prioritize keeping him as part of a young core. He’s athletic, versatile, and hungry for minutes, so a change of scenery could be just what he needs.
Adding De’Anthony Melton would give the Clippers some solid backcourt defense, too. Known for his hustle and defense, Melton is a steady role player who can make life difficult for opposing guards. The 2026 first-round pick in this deal also gives the Clippers an asset they could either keep or move to add even more depth to their future lineup.
For the Warriors, landing Kawhi is a high-risk, high-reward move, but it could pay off big. Pairing Curry and Kawhi gives them an elite one-two punch of scoring and defense. If Kawhi stays healthy, the Warriors would have a lineup that could challenge anyone in the league. They’re clearly in “win-now” mode, and even with the injury risk, Kawhi’s upside is too good to ignore.
This trade would give the Clippers cap flexibility with Wiggins’s contract and the ability to test Kuminga’s fit in LA. Meanwhile, the Warriors would be doubling down on their championship aspirations, taking a big swing to make the most of Curry’s time. For both teams, it’s a move that could reshape their future.
A Bold Move Swapping Simons For Harden
Blazers receive: James Harden
Clippers receive: Anfernee Simons
The Blazers might finally be ready to offload Anfernee Simons, and swapping him for James Harden could be a clever workaround. While the Blazers are deep into rebuilding, Simons hasn’t attracted the kind of trade offers the Blazers hoped for. Harden, though a veteran who doesn’t fit their long-term plans, is a high-profile player who might be easier to flip to a contender. This trade would give the Blazers a flexible asset to move when the right deal comes along.
Anfernee Simons has started strong this season, averaging 19.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. Simons has proven valuable, especially coming off a season where he averaged 22.6 points. Still, the Blazers have been rumored to be open to moving him, as his playing style may not align with their focus on developing young guards like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
On the other side, James Harden is delivering solid numbers, posting 21.1 points, 9.9 assists, and 8.7 rebounds over six games. Though his timeline doesn’t fit the Blazers’ young core, Harden’s reputation and on-court production make him a valuable piece that the Blazers could trade later, potentially to a playoff-bound team in need of a playmaker (like they did with Jrue Holiday on the Lillard deal). For now, Harden could serve as a mentor or simply be an asset the Blazers flip when they’re ready.
From the Clippers’ perspective, adding Simons gives them a young, high-potential guard who could slot in seamlessly with their future plans. At 26 years old, Simons’s scoring and shooting range would be a perfect fit alongside their existing roster, allowing the Clippers to stay competitive and also plan for the future.
Getting Harden in this deal brings flexibility without committing to a long-term contract on the Blazers’ side. Reports have indicated that the Blazers have been open to parting with Simons, possibly due to limited interest from other teams and his overlap with their current young talent. Harden’s shorter deal means they can test the market for him later or use him as a veteran presence temporarily.
In the end, this trade would serve both teams’ interests: the Blazers get a flexible veteran asset they can maneuver as they continue rebuilding, while the Clippers gain a young scorer who complements their core.
The Clippers Load Up On Picks Sending Powell To The Spurs
Clippers receive: Julian Champagnie, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick
Spurs receive: Norman Powell
In this scenario, the Clippers would look to shake things up by sending Norman Powell to the Spurs in exchange for valuable future assets. Powell has been on a scoring tear this season, putting up 24.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. While he’s been a reliable scoring option, this trade would allow the Clippers to stack up picks and add a young prospect to their roster.
For the Spurs, Powell would bring some much-needed scoring depth to complement their young, developing team, which now revolves around Victor Wembanyama, but may be ready to compete with the likes of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes on the roster. With his strong shooting (50.8% from the field and 45% from three), Powell could provide instant offense and veteran stability as the Spurs’ young core finds its footing. His ability to score at a high level would be valuable for a team that’s looking to compete while still focusing on player development.
On the Clippers’ side, this deal would net them Julian Champagnie, a promising young wing with potential as a shooter and defender. Champagnie hasn’t had a huge role with the Spurs yet, but his upside could fit well within the Clippers’ rotation as they look to develop younger talent around their veteran core.
The key assets here, though, are the 2025 first-round pick and 2026 second-round pick the Clippers would acquire. These picks provide valuable flexibility for future moves, giving the Clippers options to draft young talent or leverage them in other trades. For a team that wants to maximize value without overloading their cap, adding future picks would be a smart move.
This scenario benefits both sides: the Spurs get a scoring boost and a seasoned player in Powell, while the Clippers gain the future flexibility they need to keep building around their main stars.
Cashing In On Bones Hyland For Nets’ Picks
Clippers receive: Day’Ron Sharpe, 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick
Nets receive: Bones Hyland
In this trade, the Clippers would send Bones Hyland to the Nets, picking up valuable future picks and a young big in Day’Ron Sharpe. Hyland, with very little chances in the Clippers rotation, brings instant offense off the bench, but the Clippers could use this deal to add future assets and depth, while the Nets might be willing to pair him up with Cam Thomas.
Day’Ron Sharpe, on an expiring contract, hasn’t had much room to shine in Brooklyn, playing behind Nic Claxton. For the Clippers, Sharpe offers options: they could let him walk in restricted free agency if things don’t work out or keep him on a team-friendly deal. His potential as a young big fits into their needs, especially if they’re looking to add size and versatility without committing big dollars.
The 2025 and 2026 second-round picks would give the Clippers extra flexibility for future deals or the chance to add younger talent through the draft. For a team balancing star power with smart planning, these picks would be assets they can leverage down the line.
Meanwhile, the Nets would get Hyland’s high-energy play to bolster their backcourt. Known for his quick scoring and fearless shooting, Hyland could be a spark plug in Brooklyn, giving the Nets a solid rotation piece as they build up their guard depth.
In the end, this deal works both ways: the Clippers get future picks and a flexible big man in Sharpe, while the Nets add an exciting scoring guard to energize their lineup.
The Clippers Shake Things Up With Major Trades And Fresh Faces
Clippers trade: Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, Bones Hyland, James Harden
Clippers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, De’Anthony Melton, 2026 First-Round Pick, Anfernee Simons, Julian Champagnie, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick, Day’Ron Sharpe, 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick
The Clippers would be making some bold moves here, letting go of Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, Bones Hyland, and James Harden in exchange for a mix of established players, young talent, and future picks. With Kawhi heading to the Warriors, Powell to the Spurs, Hyland to the Nets, and Harden to the Blazers, the Clippers would be sacrificing some big names and proven role players to set up for a more flexible future.
In return, they’d bring in Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and De’Anthony Melton from the Warriors, adding defense, experience, and some fresh energy to the roster. From the Spurs, they’d land Julian Champagnie, plus a 2025 first-round pick and 2026 second-round pick, which gives them young talent along with valuable draft capital. The Nets would send them Day’Ron Sharpe on an expiring deal, along with second-round picks in 2025 and 2026, adding flexibility if they choose to keep Sharpe or free up cap space. Also, they’d pick up Anfernee Simons from the Blazers, a young scorer with tons of upside to slot right into their backcourt.
All in all, the Clippers would be setting themselves up with a mix of established contributors, promising young players, and picks that let them play the long game. Adding picks and players with expiring contracts means they’d have plenty of flexibility to make moves down the line, keeping them competitive now and giving them the pieces to build a balanced roster for the future.
