The Los Angeles Clippers were on a winning streak, taking 15 of 18 games and re-entering the playoff race. However, the situation changed when James Harden requested a trade, leading to major roster changes.
Shortly after trading Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Clippers dealt their All-Defensive center, Ivica Zubac, to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin and two first-round picks.
Los Angeles Clippers are restructuring their veteran roster
In addition to Harden, the Clippers have also moved on from 28-year-old Zubac and 40-year-old Chris Paul. This is a surprising shift for a team that aimed for a championship after acquiring Paul, Brook Lopez, and John Collins over the summer to join All-Star Kawhi Leonard.
The season did not start as planned. The NBA began an investigation into Leonard’s endorsement deal with a Clippers jersey sponsor. Bradley Beal suffered a hip fracture, Leonard dealt with ankle and foot issues, and Lopez lost his three-point shooting touch. Paul was sidelined for team disruptions.
Compounding their troubles, the Clippers owe their 2026 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as a pick swap in 2027 and a first-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers from trades involving Paul George and Harden, both of whom are no longer with the team. Harden’s exit has forced the Clippers to abandon their hopes for a contention this season.