The Clippers have new leadership, for now.
A somewhat overlooked issue that came about as a result of the punishment that the NBA handed to the Los Angeles Clippers after a nearly year long investigation into the Clippers' attempt at salary cap circumvention was the way that it left the Clippers rudderless when it comes to team leadership.
Both owner Steve Ballmer and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank were suspended by the NBA, Ballmer for one year and Frank for sixth months, for their involvement in the scandal. As a result, the Clippers front office suddenly left without any clear leadership, which caused some immediate complications.
The primary complication was that the Clippers trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors couldn't be formalized as the Clippers didn't know who was actually leading the team and thus didn't have someone to approve the trade.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots past Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesFinding Leadership
That has since been resolved and the Clippers did move forward with the trade of Leonard and they've since resolved who will be the main decision makers for the Clippers during this chaotic period.
Per a report from Shams Charania, general manager Trent Redden and senior vice president and assistant general manager Mark Hughes will be taking the helm of the Clippers front office until at least Frank can resume his duties.
Golden State Warriors center Al Horford (20) reaches in front of Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller (22) for a loose ball in the second half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesWho is Redden?
Redden began his NBA front office career as a scout for the Cleveland Cavaliers starting in 2007 after he had graduated from Southern Methodist University, where he also played basketball, appearing in three total games, in 2006.
After serving as a scout from 2007-13, Redden was promoted to assistant general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the Cavaliers until moving on to an assistant general manager role with the Clippers in 2017.
Redden served in that role from 2017-2023, then was promoted to the general manager role that he serves in now.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past Los AngelesClippersguard Darius Garland (10) for a basket in the second half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesGetting To Know Hughes
Hughes played college basketball for Michigan from 1985-89, winning a championship with the Wolverines in 1989.
He signed with the Detroit Pistons in 1991 and the Toronto Raptors in 1996, thought the bulk of his professional playing career was spent playing overseas, save for a stint with the Grand Rapids Hoops of the now-defunct Continental Basketball Association. Hughes was also head coach of the Hoops from 1997-2002. Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (10) moves to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (10) moves to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesHughes has been an assistant coach for both the Orlando Magic and the Sacramento Kings, worked as a scout for the New York Knicks and eventually became the Knicks' director of player personnel in 2011.
Ultimately, he was hired to the the assistant general manager of the Clippers in 2017, where he's worked under Frank ever since.
The Clippers are desperate for strong leadership during possibly the most troublesome time in the history of their franchise and they're hoping to find stability within the combined guidance of Redden and Hughes.
