The Los Angeles Clippers have been linked to a potential blockbuster move involving Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, Kawhi Leonard’s injury concerns add urgency to the Clippers’ roster decisions.
DeMar DeRozan Linked to Clippers Amid Kawhi Leonard Injury Woes
NBA analyst and writer Jake Weinbach proposed a mock trade between the Clippers and Kings in a post on X on Jan. 20. In the scenario, the Clippers would acquire DeRozan and Keon Ellis, while the Kings would receive John Collins, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, and 2030 first-round swap rights from Los Angeles.
A mock trade between the Clippers and Kings:
• Clippers
DeMar DeRozan
Keon Ellis• Kings
John Collins
Yanic Konan Niederhauser
2030 first-round swap rights (via LAC)— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) January 20, 2026
DeRozan signed a three-year, $74 million contract and is under contract through the 2025-26 season. He is set to become a free agent in 2027.
The Clippers’ interest in adding scoring depth comes as Leonard continues to manage health issues. Leonard is dealing with a left knee contusion after suffering the injury on Jan. 10. He last played on Jan. 14 against the Washington Wizards, scoring 33 points, and has missed the Clippers’ last three games.
Leonard has appeared in 30 games this season and has missed 16 total contests. He was also sent home from the team’s road trip in mid-January as the organization prioritized his recovery.
Despite Leonard’s inconsistent availability, the Clippers have surged in recent weeks. Los Angeles has won 13 of its last 15 games, including six straight victories, to climb into the top 10 of the Western Conference standings. That streak was snapped Tuesday night with a 138-110 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 20.
DeRozan could provide offensive stability during stretches when Leonard is unavailable or limited. This season, DeRozan is averaging 19.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and four assists per game while playing 33.6 minutes. He is shooting 50.8% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range, along with 1.4 steals per game.
DeRozan is known for his elite mid-range scoring and ability to draw fouls. His skills could help the Clippers when their offense stalls.
However, DeRozan would not replicate Leonard’s two-way impact. Leonard remains one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders when healthy, while DeRozan is primarily an offensive contributor.
Any move for DeRozan would be aimed at maintaining scoring pressure rather than replacing Leonard’s commanding presence. The inclusion of a 2030 first-round swap adds future value for the Kings as they evaluate long-term flexibility.
The Feb. 5 trade deadline is approaching quickly, and teams around the league are reassessing their needs. For the Clippers, Leonard’s health remains the central variable. When he is on the floor, Los Angeles has looked like a legitimate playoff threat. When he is out, it becomes harder to find consistent scoring.
