LA Clippers Mentioned as Potential Trade Suitor for $24.8M Star on Projected Lottery Team

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Sacramento Kings - Source: Imagn
LA Clippers Mentioned as Potential Trade Suitor for $24.8M Star on Projected Lottery Team (Image source: Imagn)

The LA Clippers have reportedly shown interest in trading for Sacramento Kings star DeMar DeRozan.

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On Monday, The Athletic's Sam Amick released an interview with Kings general manager Scott Perry. In the article, Amick quoted league sources in saying that the Clippers "have some interest" in DeRozan, who earns $24.8 million this season per Spotrac.

The Kings star will be under contract for one more season and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Per Amick, part of LA's interest could be attributed to DeRozan's partially guaranteed deal in 2026-27, which would pay him just $10 million of a $27 million contract.

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Both the Clippers and the Kings are off to rough starts this season. LA, which has championship aspirations, is 5-12. Meanwhile, Sacramento (4-13) has the second-worst record in the loaded Western Conference.

NBA insider Jake Fischer said on Sunday that the Kings "are willing to listen to offers" amid a slow start. Fischer added that only Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford will be untouchables in trade talks, paving a way for other teams to inquire about veteran stars Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and Russell Westbrook.

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How would DeMar DeRozan fit with the LA Clippers' veteran-laden roster?

Coming into the 2025-26 season, ESPN's Bobby Marks said that the LA Clippers have the oldest roster in the league with an average age of 30.7. Adding the 36-year-old DeMar DeRozan would make the roster even older, which could be a problem down the stretch, considering the faster-paced NBA.

DeRozan could be a bad fit for the Clippers as he is a ball-dominant player. The 6-foot-6 guard/forward would be joining a team that already has James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, who are both ball-dominant. DeRozan is not a suitable off-ball option for Ty Lue's system due to his lack of 3-point shooting.

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DeRozan is also not known as a quality defender. Defense is arguably among LA's issues early this season, as it is ranked 25th in the NBA in defensive rating (119.2).

However, DeRozan's relatively attractive contract could be the reason why the Clippers have shown interest. His $24.8 million deal this season would be easy to match, and his partially guaranteed contract next season would give the team flexibility. Pressure has now mounted on LA Clippers general manager Lawrence Frank to field a championship-contending roster.

Los Angeles Clippers Fan? Check out the latest Clippers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
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