The Clippers’ long game is coming into focus — and it points directly at two of the biggest names in basketball. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić both holding player options for the 2027-28 season, league insiders believe Los Angeles is quietly positioning itself to make a run at either MVP if the chance arises.
For Milwaukee, the clock is already ticking. The Bucks’ roster has been retooled since their 2025 postseason collapse — Damian Lillard was sent back to Portland via a stretch-and-waive move after his Achilles tear, while Myles Turner arrived on a massive deal to form a new frontcourt with Antetokounmpo. The question is whether that mix will be enough to convince Giannis to stay once his contract decision looms.
Jokić feels like an even tougher pry given Denver’s championship pedigree, but his contract structure at least cracks the door open for speculation. And according to a new report from Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Clippers are among the teams preparing to strike if either star entertains a move.
Clippers and Lakers Join the Chase
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While prying Nikola Jokić away from Denver seems even less realistic, the reigning Finals MVP has a player option for the 2027-28 season, which makes him an equally intriguing target for big-market franchises.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Warriors, Lakers, and Clippers are all preparing for the possibility of pursuing either Antetokounmpo or Jokić.
“The Warriors, who are well aware that Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Denver’s Nikola Jokic both have player options for the 2027-28 season, are hardly alone on this star-hunting front. High-profile teams like the Lakers and Clippers have sent similar signals in recent months,” Amick reported.
Building the Bridge to 2027
In the meantime, Los Angeles has quietly built one of its deepest rosters in years. This past offseason, they added Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and John Collins — veterans who give LA immediate credibility in the Western Conference while preserving flexibility for the future.
Whether this current group can contend with the likes of Denver, Minnesota, and Oklahoma City remains to be seen. But the bigger picture is clear: the Clippers are positioning themselves for a blockbuster swing. If Antetokounmpo or Jokić tests the waters in 2027, Los Angeles intends to be ready.