With $203,604,340 in total cap allocations and an aging, injured roster, the Los Angeles Clippers entered the offseason without a lot of options.
The Clippers wound up deciding not to keep former top pick Ben Simmons, opted not to keep veteran point guard Patty Mills and dealt swingman Norman Powell to the Miami Heat in exchange for forward John Collins. The Utah Jazz, who were also involved in the trade, received Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and a 2027 second-round draft pick from the Clippers.
The Clippers signed Brook Lopez to join Collins and bolster their big man rotation. They also signed Bradley Beal to a two-year, $11 million deal after he was bought out by the Phoenix Suns.
Beal, however, played just two games before fracturing his hip. He will undergo season-ending surgery.
The Clippers were hoping Beal would provide a scoring punch. With him now sidelined for the season, they may turn their attention to another veteran.
Could the Clippers Turn to a Veteran Scorer to Replace Bradley Beal?
According to The Athletic, the Clippers have shown some interest in Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan.
“DeMar DeRozan, the 36-year-old who league sources say has some interest from the LA Clippers, has a partial guarantee on his deal for next season (approximately $10 million of his $25.7 million),” reports The Athletic.
“Malik Monk, who was part of the Jonathan Kuminga trade talks with Golden State in the summer that are likely to be revisited, has a combined $41.7 million on his deal in the next two seasons (including a 2027-28 player option). The list goes on from there, with fourth-year guard Keon Ellis ($2.3 million expiring deal) widely seen as one of the most coveted Kings players among rival teams.”
The Clippers are showing interest in DeMar DeRozan, per @sam_amick
“DeMar DeRozan, the 36-year-old who league sources say has some interest from the LA Clippers, has a partial guarantee on his deal for next season (approximately $10 million of his $25.7 million). Malik Monk,… pic.twitter.com/UrSWnpWetr
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 24, 2025
Monk, much younger and a better shooter, would likely be highly valuable in trades.
DeRozan, 36, remains productive, averaging 17.9 points while shooting 49.5% from the field and 36.1% from three; both above his career marks of 47.0% and 30.1%.
DeRozan has been tied to the Clippers before. He is from Compton, attended Compton High, and spent a year at USC before declaring for the draft.
DeRozan would make an excellent addition for the Clippers, especially if he can keep his newfound shooting efficiency up.
The Clippers have been among the league’s most disappointing teams, starting 5-12 after a 50-32 finish last season that tied for third-best in the Western Conference. Given their age, as well as their lack of assets, young players, and future picks, rebuilding may be off the table. Acquiring a player like DeRozan might be their best path for this season.
The Kings have also struggled, winning just four of their first 13 games after being a play-in team last year.
With veterans like DeRozan, Monk, Zach LaVine, Dennis Schröder, and Russell Westbrook, the Kings may opt to sell before the deadline. This would give younger players more time, especially now that perhaps their most promising young player, Keegan Murray, is back on the court.
There are also rumors the Kings could trade All-Star center Domantas Sabonis. If true, it would likely take a significant haul to convince the Kings to make a deal.
Of course, the Clippers do not have many assets or much cap room. Acquiring a player like DeRozan, who is owed $24,750,000 this season and $25,740,000 next season, may be a pipe dream.
