The Los Angeles Clippers are absolutely reeling with a 1-7 start, tied for the worst record in the entire NBA, and guess what? League insiders are already calling them “likely sellers” as teams eye up trade moves. This team is off to a brutal start, losing seven straight games after managing just one win in their season opener against the Sacramento Kings.
Roster on the Trading Block
Man, this squad is looking to offload some talent fast. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that multiple scouts and league executives are straight up calling the Clippers “likely sellers” right now. We’re talking about four players on expiring contracts who could totally boost a contender: Max Strus, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Brook Lopez. And don’t forget Rui Hachimura, who’s also a pending free agent with a $14 million team option for the 2027-28 season hanging out there. With the Clippers ranking 21st in net rating, and being one of only five teams with just one victory, it’s clear they are not showing the ability to compete in the Western Conference.
The Brutal Reality of Their Future
They already hit the reset button, right? They traded Ivica Zubac prior to the deadline last season and then dumped Kawhi Leonard over the summer. That was supposed to be “turning the page” on the old era and looking to the future. But oh man, their future is a mess. The NBA smacked them HARD with discipline for salary-cap circumvention related to Leonard’s endorsement deals. We’re talking about forfeiting FIVE first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033! Seriously, five picks gone! Plus, their 2027 and 2028 first-rounders are tied up in swap deals, so they won’t even control their OWN top pick until 2034. That’s absolutely brutal for a rebuild. Yeah, the Leonard trade did get them some unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033 from the Toronto Raptors, but what does that even mean when your own cupboard is bare for so long? This current roster ain’t cutting it in the West, and their losing streak proves it.
With their own draft picks basically locked away for a decade, you gotta wonder if these trade rumors are just the beginning of a full-blown fire sale. What a total dumpster fire of a start for the Clippers, and it feels like it’s only gonna get wilder from here.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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