The Los Angeles Clippers could become sellers at the 2027 NBA trade deadline, with several veteran players already attracting attention from rival executives.
Tim MacMahon reported on ESPN that scouts and executives around the league are monitoring the Clippers following their 1-7 start. Brook Lopez, Kris Dunn, Rui Hachimura, Max Strus and Derrick Jones Jr. are among the players who could interest playoff contenders.
“It’s way too early for trade discussions to pick up steam, but multiple scouts and executives are keeping an eye on the LA Clippers as likely sellers,” MacMahon wrote.
He identified the team’s veteran contracts as a potential opportunity for teams looking to strengthen their rosters.
“The Clippers, who are off to a league-worst-tying 1-7 start, have a handful of impact veterans on expiring contracts,” MacMahon added.
Lopez is averaging 13.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in eight appearances, shooting 56.0% from the field and 42.3% from three-point range. Dunn has contributed 8.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.8 steals per game while starting all eight contests.
Hachimura is averaging 14.7 points and 6.5 rebounds across six appearances. Jones is putting up 11.6 points and 5.3 rebounds, while Strus has averaged 10.0 points and 5.5 assists in two games.
MacMahon also noted Hachimura’s team option for next season, while identifying Lopez, Dunn, Strus and Jones as veterans on expiring contracts. Their availability could give playoff teams several different options ahead of the deadline.
However, the Clippers have not publicly committed to a rebuild or confirmed plans to trade those players. Jake Fischer previously reported that the organization wants to win games this season to strengthen its appeal to free agents in 2027.
Los Angeles is also looking toward the 2027 offseason, when it hopes to have significant salary-cap flexibility. Its ability to create maximum cap space will depend on roster decisions and applicable cap holds.
The franchise is navigating a difficult period after the NBA announced penalties in September over salary-cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard. The punishment included five forfeited first-round picks and a $30 million fine, while Leonard was traded to Toronto during the offseason.
The Clippers’ early record has put their veteran roster under the spotlight. Whether they prioritize competing or pursue trade opportunities could become one of the developments to watch as the deadline approaches.
