While some teams are clamoring to make a trade, the Los Angeles Clippers seem content to continue their unexpectedly good 2025 campaign.
The team has compiled a 26-19 record and currently sitting in 6th place in the Western Conference. With the emergence of the near All-Star performance of Norman Powell, improvement by Ivica Zubac, the renaissance of James Harden, and the triumphant return of Kawhi Leonard, it seems they are content to take a restrained approach to any and all trades.
Los Angeles Clippers Rumors: “Keen on keeping their books clean”

In a recent dispatch for The Stein Line, Jake Fischer explores the potential trade activity (or lack thereof) of the Clippers leading up to the NBA trade deadline.
Fischer reports that the Clippers, after creating significant cap flexibility last offseason by allowing Paul George to depart in free agency, are currently prioritizing maintaining a clean cap sheet. According to Fischer, the team has conveyed to rival teams that they are not eager to acquire players with long-term, high-salaried contracts in pre-deadline trades.
This approach suggests that the Clippers are prioritizing long-term financial flexibility and sustainable roster building, rather than making short-term, all-in moves that could potentially compromise their future cap flexibility.
LAFB Network’s YouTube Channels
Clippers have established clear long-term objectives, including the strategic preservation of cap space for the 2026 and 2027 free agency classes, when James Harden and Kawhi Leonard’s contracts are set to expire.
However, while long-term planning is crucial, the inaugural season at the Intuit Dome demands a competitive spirit. Steve Ballmer, the team’s owner, is not known for tolerating mediocrity, and the organization is undoubtedly eager to secure a winning record and host playoff games.
Despite the absence Leonard for a significant portion of the season, the Clippers have maintained their competitiveness, demonstrating the resilience of their roster. This success creates an opportunity for the team to optimize their current roster while simultaneously maintaining a focus on long-term strategic objectives.
The Clippers face the challenge of balancing these competing priorities as they navigate the upcoming trade deadline. They must carefully assess potential trade opportunities, evaluating their potential impact on both the current season and the team’s long-term aspirations.