As the Los Angeles Clippers prepare for a transformative offseason, the search for affordable, impactful depth is already underway. According to ClutchPoints, two intriguing free agent options—forward Guerschon Yabusele and guard Gary Trent Jr.—could be ideal fits for a team looking to retool around its aging core without exceeding financial constraints.
Yabusele, a French international with recent NBA experience in Philadelphia, isn’t a household name stateside. However, his reputation overseas is that of a high-IQ, two-way forward with the strength to defend multiple positions and enough offensive polish to contribute in key moments. ClutchPoints notes that he would be a smart addition to the Clippers’ frontcourt, particularly if veteran Nicolas Batum retires.
Breaking Down Los Angeles Clippers Free Agent Targets
“Yabusele fits that mold,” they write. “His experience in high-stakes EuroLeague battles and this season in Philly gives him a level of maturity and poise that would be valuable in LA’s second unit.”
The Clippers’ need for a defensively sound, team-oriented forward became clear during the postseason, where the bench often lacked identity. Yabusele could fill that gap while remaining cap-friendly—an important consideration for a franchise trying to stay below the first tax apron.
Meanwhile, ClutchPoints also points to Gary Trent Jr. as a perimeter upgrade. Coming off a solid year with the Milwaukee Bucks, the 26-year-old averaged 11.1 points per game while shooting nearly 42% from beyond the arc. He brings shot creation, three-level scoring, and the defensive versatility the Clippers have lacked in their second unit.
“Bringing Trent off the bench or even slotting him into a hybrid starting role would offer [Tyronn] Lue additional flexibility,” ClutchPoints observes. “His ability to guard multiple positions and create his own shot… is a skill the Clippers lacked.”
Trent also offers value beyond the stat sheet. Entering his prime, he could mentor younger players like Max Christie while bridging the gap between the current core and the team’s future.
While neither Yabusele nor Trent is a headline-grabbing star, both align with a smarter, more sustainable roster-building approach. For a Clippers team that still hopes to contend—despite growing uncertainty around its stars—these are the kind of low-risk, high-upside moves that could help stabilize and extend their competitive window.