The Los Angeles Clippers are looking for every edge as they continue to push for a championship with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard still anchoring the roster. One name that has surfaced as a potential target: New York Knicks forward Josh Hart.
With NY parting ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau after their run to the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, Hart’s future in New York is less certain. That has opened the door for contenders like the Clippers to explore ways to add the versatile swingman.
Brandon Austin of Pro Football & Sports Network recently pointed out that Hart could be one of the Knicks’ most realistic trade pieces. “Hart is a vital contributor, but his less specialized skill set makes him more expendable,” Austin explained. “If the Knicks want to chase a major upgrade, he’s the type of player who could be moved.”
Why the Clippers Make Sense
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For the Clippers, Hart checks every box of what they need to complement their aging stars. In 77 games last season, he averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while shooting 52.5% from the field. His all-around game — rebounding, secondary playmaking, perimeter defense — would immediately raise the floor of L.A.’s rotation.
Austin wrote that Hart’s ability to “score in a variety of ways, provide secondary playmaking, and defend at a high level” would make him “a strong supporting piece on a contender.” That’s exactly the kind of versatility Los Angeles lacked at times when Harden and Leonard were off the floor.
Instead of relying heavily on streaky shooters or role players who excel in only one area, Hart would give Los Angeles a connector — a player who fills gaps and elevates others without demanding touches.
What A Trade for Hart Could Look Like
Dean Simon of The Sporting News recently outlined a trade scenario that could work for both sides: the Clippers sending Derrick Jones Jr., Drew Eubanks, and draft capital to the Knicks in exchange for Hart.
For the Clippers, the move would signal a clear win-now approach. Jones had a breakout 2024-25 campaign, averaging 10.1 points while shooting 35.6% from three, but Hart’s broader skill set and playoff-ready game would likely be more valuable.
For New York, such a deal could create cap flexibility and return rotation depth, while leaving the door open to chase a bigger star.
Hart’s Impact on the Clippers’ Title Hopes
If the Clippers want to maximize what remains of their title window with Leonard and Harden, Hart represents exactly the type of acquisition they need. He’s not a star, but he’s a playoff-tested veteran who brings toughness, versatility, and reliability — qualities that often swing postseason series.
As Austin summed it up: “He’s the type of player every contender wants.”
For LA, that’s exactly the point.