Entering the season with high hopes, the Los Angeles Clippers got off to a very slow start. The Clippers opened the season 6-21, endured the drama revolving around Chris Paul’s brief return and departure, and, lacking a first-round pick, can’t afford to tank this season. With the Clippers playing better and now realistically back in the mix for a spot in the postseason, they may look to add to their roster.
Clippers Interested in 6-Time All-Star DeMar DeRozan
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Clippers have talked to the Kings about DeMar DeRozan.
“Meanwhile, the Kings have inquired about the price tag for Morant, but internal questions about whether the franchise is ready to give up assets and add him while focusing on developing their young talent (Keegan Murray, Nique Clifford, and Maxime Raynaud) and gauging the market on potentially moving their veteran trio of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan,” writes Scotto.
Scotto added: “In fact, the Kings had exploratory conversations on a trade involving DeRozan and Ellis for Clippers forward John Collins and another small salary filler before the Clippers won 11 of their past 13 games, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Deebo is shooting a career-high 36% from 3 this season
And that’s helped him maintain another career-high with 60.4% TS
You love to see a hooper like Demar DeRozan still finding ways to improve despite being SIXTEEN years into his career pic.twitter.com/MUc3jd3AgX
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) January 17, 2026
DeRozan could provide the scoring punch the Clippers need behind Leonard and Harden. At 36, he’s still averaging 19.1 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game on 50.7% shooting, 36.3% from three, and 87.7% from the line.
If DeRozan continues producing, especially from three-point range, he could attract teams seeking a veteran scorer. The Compton native and former USC Trojan would likely welcome a return to Los Angeles.
Sabonis and LaVine have also shown their value on the floor and could also be commodities prior to the trade deadline. Sabonis has been tied to several teams, including the Charlotte Hornets.
Clippers Turning Their Season Around
After dropping to 6-21, the Clippers won six straight games to move to 12-21 and have now 12 of their last 14, including Friday’s 121-117 overtime win in Toronto, extending their current win streak to five.
Clippers veterans James Harden and Kawhi Leonard have stayed healthy and are playing at their usual All-Star level.
Leonard has averaged 28.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, while Harden is putting up 25.8 points, 8.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals a night.
Ivica Zubac (14.9 points, 10.8 rebounds per game) and John Collins (13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds per game) have contributed significantly.
At 18-23, they are 10th in the Western Conference and would qualify for the play-in tournament if the season ended today. The NBA’s trade deadline is February 5. If the Clippers can find a way to improve their team, it will be a key storyline to watch over the next few weeks.
