Los Angeles Clippers emerge as potential trade sellers after a difficult 1-7 start to the 2026-27 NBA season.
The Los Angeles Clippers have quickly emerged as potential trade sellers as rival teams begin evaluating roster upgrades early in the 2026-27 professional basketball season. Following a difficult 1-7 start that leaves them tied for the worst record in the National Basketball Association, the franchise is shifting its focus toward future roster flexibility.
Multiple league executives and scouts have pointed to the Los Angeles Clippers as likely candidates to offload assets before the trade deadline. This strategic shift comes as the organization attempts to navigate complex roster limitations and long-term planning, according to information published by bleache.
The current struggles follow a transitional period that involved trading Ivica Zubac last season and Kawhi Leonard over the summer. With the team ranking 21st in net rating, management is weighing its options to reshape the roster through expiring contracts and future draft capital.
Expiring Contracts Offer Trade Value
The Los Angeles Clippers currently hold four players on expiring contracts who could attract significant interest from playoff contenders across the league. This group of potential trade candidates features Max Strus, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Brook Lopez.
In addition to those expiring deals, Rui Hachimura represents another pending free agent with a 14 million dollar team option for the 2027-28 season. These movable contracts provide the front office with flexible pathways to engage interested suitors ahead of the trade deadline.
Draft Pick Complications Shape Strategy
The future outlook for the Los Angeles Clippers remains uniquely complicated due to league discipline resulting from salary cap circumvention involving endorsement deals given to Kawhi Leonard. The resulting punishment forced the franchise to forfeit five first-round draft picks spanning from 2029 to 2033.
Furthermore, their first-round selections for 2027 and 2028 are currently tied up in swap deals, meaning the organization will not fully control its own top pick again until 2034. Fortunately, the trade involving Kawhi Leonard did help mitigate some damage by securing unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 from the Toronto Raptors.
Current Roster Struggles in the West
The urgency to explore trades stems directly from a winless streak that has reached seven games following an opening-night victory against the Sacramento Kings. The Los Angeles Clippers currently stand as one of just five teams across the league holding only a single victory in the early going.
It remains to be seen how the front office will ultimately utilize those future assets acquired from the Toronto Raptors, whether by holding onto them or packaging them for immediate help. Given that the current roster has struggled to compete within the Western Conference, organizational changes appear increasingly likely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Los Angeles Clippers considered trade sellers?
The Los Angeles Clippers are viewed as likely sellers after stumbling out of the gate to a 1-7 record during the 2026-27 NBA season, prompting league executives to eye their expiring contracts.
Which Clippers players are on expiring contracts?
The group of players on expiring deals includes Max Strus, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Brook Lopez, alongside pending free agent Rui Hachimura.
Why do the Clippers lack future first-round draft picks?
The franchise forfeited five first-round picks from 2029 to 2033 due to NBA discipline for salary cap circumvention, while their 2027 and 2028 picks are tied up in swap deals.
