It's all about returns for the Los Angeles Clippers.
For the first time since the 2019-2020 season, the Los Angeles Clippers aren't entering a season with championship expectations.
A team defined by superstars over the last seven seasons no longer has the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden on its roster. Instead, the new group is led by established players like Darius Garland and Brandon Ingram, and fifth overall pick Keaton Wagler.
While the Clippers have an eye on the future with this new group, there will be some big returns this upcoming season.
Those returns headline the top three notable games of the season for the Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard Returns - November 20
This game will depend on whether or not the trade to the Toronto Raptors goes through, but if it does, this would be Kawhi's return.
There is an agreement in place to send Kawhi to the Raptors in exchange for Ingram, Gradey Dick, and draft compensation. The trade is on hold until the NBA wraps its investigation into Kawhi and the Clippers over alleged salary cap circumvention.
If the trade goes through and this is indeed Kawhi's return, it will be interesting to see how the fans react given the high hopes fans had when he signed in 2019 and the failure to meet expectations.
Ivica Zubac Returns - December 20
The Clippers traded Zubac to the Indiana Pacers at the trade deadline, receiving Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and what turned out to be the fifth overall pick in return.
Zubac was a fan favorite during his time with the team and didn't necessarily want out like other stars. The trade was a calculated move from the front office, which maximized Zubac's value and got some lottery luck with the pick falling out of the top four.
Zubac should receive a warm welcome when he returns to Los Angeles, as fans did grow to love him in his eight seasons with the team, and he brought back Keaton Wagler, who they hope will be the next great franchise player.
James Harden Returns - March 11
Harden is still technically a free agent, though most fans expect him to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Assuming he re-signs with the Cavs, and isn't traded before the deadline, this would mark Harden's return after he was surprisingly traded at the 2026 deadline.
Harden probably won't be booed by fans, but the reaction might be tepid given the way he left and the lack of accomplishments he had while on the team.
