Clippers Eye DeRozan Trade as Early-Season Struggles Trigger Urgency

The Los Angeles Clippers have reached a defining point in their 2025–26 campaign far earlier than anticipated. A season that began with championship aspirations has instead highlighted offensive inconsistency and uneven chemistry around stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Amid these concerns, the organization is actively surveying the trade market for help.

One name has rapidly become the centerpiece of that search: Sacramento Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan. The Clippers’ interest in the former All-Star signals their intent to reinforce a roster that has struggled to produce reliable late-game scoring and sustained offensive rhythm.

DeRozan’s profile—an efficient mid-range creator with experience in pressure moments—aligns sharply with the areas in which Los Angeles has faltered. His scoring reliability and ability to manufacture shots outside of structure have made him one of the league’s most sought-after midseason targets.

But acquiring him is far from simple, especially as the Kings confront their own turbulence and future direction. As both franchises navigate uncertainty, the possibility of a major deal looms, one that could reshape the Western Conference hierarchy.

1. DeRozan Emerges as Prime Target

DeRozan has remained productive in Sacramento despite the team’s struggles, averaging 17.9 points and 3.6 assists on nearly 50% shooting through his first 17 games. His controlled pace, mid-range accuracy, and shot-creation ability stand out for a Clippers team that has labored to sustain offense when defenders key in on Leonard and Harden. Los Angeles’ reliance on isolation scoring has left the team vulnerable in late-game scenarios, particularly when its stars face traps or fatigue. DeRozan’s ability to create from the elbows and operate in tight half-court windows addresses a critical gap in the Clippers’ offensive structure. His presence would also introduce a stabilizing element—an experienced scorer capable of shouldering possessions during droughts or closing stretches. For a team still searching for cohesion, adding a veteran who thrives in decisive possessions carries significant appeal. Clippers executives have reportedly floated trade frameworks involving players such as Bogdan Bogdanović and Derrick Jones Jr., signaling their willingness to move rotation pieces for a player they believe can shift their offensive identity.

2. Sacramento’s Slide Opens Trade Window

While DeRozan’s value is clear, the Kings’ internal situation is equally impactful in determining his availability. Sacramento has stumbled to a 4–13 start, undercutting the optimism generated by what was viewed as a strong offseason. Defensive breakdowns, uneven rotations, and chemistry issues have driven frustration both inside and outside the organization. With such a poor opening stretch, the Kings have become increasingly open to significant roster changes. Reporting indicates that the team is willing to entertain offers for any player except Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford, signaling a potential pivot toward a youth-driven rebuild. A large-scale reset could result in several veterans—including DeRozan—becoming available for draft assets and younger players. For Los Angeles, this creates an opportunity to acquire a high-impact scorer without the prohibitive bidding wars typically associated with star trades. If Sacramento proceeds with a rebuild, the ripple effects could shift the landscape of the Western Conference, affecting both current contenders and teams planning for future flexibility.

3. Fit, Challenges, and Competitive Stakes

Even with DeRozan’s offensive advantages, questions remain about fit within the Clippers’ roster. Integrating a high-usage scorer alongside Leonard and Harden would require careful minute staggering and offensive recalibration. Tyronn Lue, known for his adaptability, would need to ensure spacing remains viable and that roles are clearly defined. Defensively, DeRozan’s track record has been average, raising concerns about the team’s ability to maintain consistency on that end. The Clippers would likely need rotation adjustments or enhanced scheme versatility to counterbalance any defensive drop-off. Salary matching further complicates negotiations, as DeRozan’s contract may require a third team to help facilitate the move. Still, Sacramento’s urgency and openness could improve Los Angeles’ leverage in striking a deal that aligns with cap constraints. For the Clippers, the stakes are significant: adding DeRozan could stabilize a wavering offense and bolster their competitiveness against Western Conference contenders such as Denver, Minnesota, and Golden State.